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U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 
BUREAU OF PLANT INDUSTRY— BULLETIN No. 25. 

B. T. OALLOWAY. CTiV/.)7-/;«m.«. 



MISCELLANEOUS PAPERS. 



1. THE SEEDS OF RESCUE GRASS AND CHESS. 

By F. H. HILL^rAN, Afs^htiwt, Sral Lalii,r(tti,Ti,. 

H. SARAGOLLA WHEA T. 

By Daviu G. FairchiU ). Agriculiaral Explora: 

m. PLANT INTRODUCTION NOTES FROM SOUTH AFRICA.' 

By David G. Faihchild, Agrieullitral Explorn. 

IV, CONGRESSIONAL SEED AND PLANT DISTRIBUTION 
CIRCULARS, 19U2-L9n3. 



BOTANICAL INVESTIGATIONS AND EXPERIMENTS 

AND 

SEED AND PLANT INTRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTION. 



I.s«iiED July 18, 1903. 




WASHINGTON: 

GOVERNWENT PRINTING OFFICE, 
1903 



HMDgtivn 



Digitized by tine Internet Archive 
in 2010 witii funding from 
The Library of Congress 



http://www.archive.org/details/saragollawheatOOfair 






BUREAU OF PLANT INDUSTRY. 

Beverly T. Galloway, Chief of Bureau. 

BOTANICAL INVESTIGATIONS AND EXPERIMENTS. 
Frederick V. Coville, Bolarviist. 

SEED AND PLANT INTRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTION. 
A. J. PiETERS, Botanist in, Charge. 



MAR 31 iyu8 
D. ot 0< 



CONTENTS. 



Page. 

The seeds of rescue grass and chess 5 

Saragolla wheat - 9 

Plant introduction notes from South Africa 13 

Introduction 13 

Some Cape seedling grape varieties 14 

The Red Hanepoot grape _ 14 

Vitis rupestris metallica 15 

Vitis rupestris Le Eoux 16 

Fruit-bearing hedge plants 16 

Rhodes grass 17 

The Kafir plum as a shade tree 18 

The Rooi-bloem, a new corn parasite 18 

The Natal pineapple 20 

Congressional Seed and Plant Distribution circulars, 1902-1903 23 

Plan of distribution and allotments 23 

Distribution of novelties and specialties - 26 

Directions for planting bulbs 47 

Distribution of cotton seed 47 

Rivers Sea Island cotton 59 

Sea Island cotton No. 224 _ 64 

Iron cowpea 65 

Kleinwanzleben sugar beet 68 

Distribution of tobacco seed and cultural directions 70 

3 



ILLUSTRATIONS. 



PLATES. 

Page. 
Plate I. Mature unopened cotton bolls — Parker, Jones Improved, Moore 

Excelsior, King, and Seabrook Sea Island 48 

II. Mature unopened and opened cotton bolls — Griffin and Allen 

Improved _ - 56 

III. Fig. 1 . —Field infected by wilt and root-knot. Fig. 2. — Roots of Iron 

cowpea. Fig. 3. — Root-knot on Wonderful cowpea 64 

TEXT FIGURES. 

Fig. 1. Florets or seeds of fescue grass 6 

2. Seeds of chess "- - 7 

3. Upright chess 7 

4. Map showing districts into which the United States has been divided 

for seed-distribution purposes 23 

5. Hyacinth, tulip, and narcissus bulbs 47 

6. Row of Rivers Sea Island cotton in wilt-infected field planted with 

rows of ordinar J- Sea Island cotton 60 

4 



MISCELLANEOUS PAPERS. 



B. P. I.— 1^9. B. I. E.— 52. 

-I.-THE SEEDS OF RESCUE GRASS AND CHESS." 

By F. H. HiLLM.^N, Assisiant, Seed Laboratory, Botanical Investigations and Experiments. 



There have recently been received at the Seed Laboratory from 
different States of the South several samples of the seed of chess, or 
cheat {Bromus secalinus), which had been offered for sale as rescue 
grass (Bromus unioloides). Notwithstanding the close botanical rela- 
tionship of chess to rescue grass, and the fact that the former is some- 
times, like the latter, employed as a hay crop, the difference between 
the two is so considerable that, if the seeds of both are to be handled 
in the trade, they should pass under their true names. 

The brome grasses belong to the genus Bromus and vary widely 
in their agricultural value. One of them, the awnless brome grass 
{BroTuxm inermis), also called smooth and Hungarian brome grass, is 
highly valued in the West as a drought-resisting forage and hay plant. 
Rescue grass bears a somewhat similar relation to the agriculture of 
the South, while the chess is less valuable than either. Some value 
is assigned to it in certain localities, but it has been long and widely 
recognized as a most troublesome weed. The frequency with which 
it occurs in grain fields has led to the erroneous belief, adhered to by 
many farmers even to the present day, that chess is a degenerated 
form of wheat. Chess seeds are often abundant among the seeds of 
the cereal grains and the larger grass seeds, and sometimes occur with 
red clover seed. 

With the aid of specimens, or descriptions, there should be no dif- 
ficulty in distinguishing the seed of rescue grass from that of chess. 
The differences between the seed of chess and that of its near ally, 
Bromus rcCbemosus^ are more difficult to detect; but from a practical 

" For some reason confusion has arisen in the Southern States regarding rescue 
grass and chess. Seed of the latter, which, though occasionally grown as a forage 
crop, is ordinarily a grain-field weed, has been offered for sale repeatedly under the 
name of the former, which is a valuable forage grass; and it has been thought desir- 
able to issue a brief description of the two, so that both seedsmen and purchasers 
may be able to distinguish them. The present paper is therefore presented. It was 
prepared under the direction of Mr. A. J. Pieters, Botanist in Charge of the Seed 
Laboratory. — Fkedeeick V. Coville, Botanist. 

5 



MISCELLANEOUS PAPERS. 



standpoint this is not so important, since the two plants are very 
similar in habit, and it is probable that in many localities the latter 
would prove quite as undesirable as chess. 

Bromus unioloides (Willd. ) H. B. K. 

{B. schraderi Kunth.) 

Eescue Grass. Schrader's Brome Grass. Arctic Grass. 

Florets, or " seeds,"" 11 to 25 mm. (^ to 1 inch) long, strongl3- com- 
pressed from the sides, sharply keeled along the back, lanceolate as 
viewed from the side, the apex tapering and usuallj^ tipped by a short 
awn, at the base of which the glume is slightly notched; margins of 

the glume membranous -edged 
and usuall}' not infolded ex- 
cept at the base; veins 4 or 5 
on each side of the midnerve, 
or keel, evident as narrow 
ridges; palea two-thirds to 
three-fourths the length of 
the glume, which wholly in- 
closes it; grain folded length- 
wise and tightlj' clasping the 
infolded center of the palea. 
The florets are light or yellow- 
ish brown or straw-coloi'ed, 
often greenish and sometimes 
purplish. The surface varies 
from smooth to very finelj' rough-hairy, the latter condition being 
particularly evident on the veins and pedicel. When spread thinly 
on a level surface the seeds lie on one of the flattened sides. (Fig. 1.) 




Fig. 1. — Florets, or seeds, of rescue grass {Bromus miio- 
loid€S) : a, side view of a seed; 6, front view of a seed, 
showing the palea and pedicel between the edges of 
the glume: c, seeds, natural size. 



Bromus secalinus L. 

Chess. Cheat. Willard's Brome Grass. 

Florets about 7 mm. {^ to ^V inch) long, exclusive of the awn, which 
varies from 1 to 3 mm. in length, not compressed, cylindrical or some- 
what spindle-shaped, obtuse at the apex; glume notched at the apex 
above the insertion of the awn; margins more or less infolded below 
the middle, narrowly or scarcelj^ membranous-edged above the middle, 
usually not at all flaring at the apex; veins 3 on each side of the mid- 
nerve, very indistinct; palea equal to the glume, deeph' grooved con- 
formably with the grain, the keels hispid-ciliate and partialty or wholly 

" The seeds of these grasses in a commercial sense consist of the grain inclosed in 
the chaff — i. e., glume and palea. 



SEEDS OP RESCUE GRASS AND CHESS. 



exposed; grain equal to the glume and palea, often exposed at the 
apex of the floret, deeply grooved, reddish brown, sometimes occur- 
ring free from the glume and palea. The florets are light or dark 
brown and mostly smooth, and sometimes have a slight diffused hister 
under the lens. (Fig. 2.) 

The moio evident characters by which rescue-grass seed and chess 
seed majr be distinguished upon comparison are as follows: 

Rescue-grass seeds, being strongly compressed, lie only on one side 
when resting on. a level 
surface; and thus appear 
lance-shaped or broadly 
awl-shaped, tapering uni- 
formly to a sharp, short- 
awned point. In con- 
trast, the chess seeds arc 
from little more than one- <2. 
fourth to one - half as fw. 2. 




long, more robust, not 



■Seeds of chess {Bruitiiis secalimts): aand6, front views; 
c. edge view; d, back view of seeds; e, seeds, natural size. 
The first three show the palea and pedicel. 

evidently flattened, near- 
ly cylindrical, grooved along one side, abruptly pointed, the apex with a 
veiy short or somewhat longer awn or awnless. When resting on a level 
surface they may lie slightly at one side of the midvein of the back, 
exposing to view the grooved face and a part of one side, or they may 
lie on the grooved face, showing the back. They more rarely rest 
directly on the back. Furthermore, the general color of a sample of 
chess is much darker brown than one of rescue-grass seed. 

Bromus racemosus L. 
Upright Chess. 

Florets about 9 mm. {i inch) long, exclusive of the slender awn, 
which varies from 4 to 9 mm. in length, similar to those of Bromus 

secalinus in general form. 
The glume is broader than 
in ]3. secalimis and usually 
more arched at the margins; 
edges sometimes membra- 
nous, especially at the apex, 
which is notched above the 
insertion of the awn and of- 
ten flai'ing; veins sometimes 
distinct; palea shorter than 
the glume, broadlj- hollowed 
or grooved, its keels more or 
less exposed and hispid-ciliate; grain shorter than the palea or at least 
covered by it, more broadl}^ grooved than in JBromus secalimts. The 





Pig. 3. — Upright chess {Brmnus racetnosus): a, back view; 
b and c, front views, and d, side view of seeds; e, seeds, 
naturalsize. Views 6 and c show the palea and pedicel. 



8 MISCELLANEOUS PAPEBS. 

florets are smooth or finely roughened and straw-colored or light 
brown. (Fig- 3.) 

These seeds are as easily distinguished from rescue-grass seeds as 
are those of chess. They are most readity distinguished from chess 
seeds by the broader glume, longer awn, and shorter palea and grain. 

The following statement of the relative values of rescue grass and 
chess is contributed by Mr. Carleton R. Ball, Assistant Agi'ostologist 
of the Department of Agriculture: 

Rescue grass was introduced into tlie South some fifty years ago and has since 
been widely cultivated. Its chief value is for winter and early spring grazing. It is 
very hardy, and makes a luxuriant and rapid growth throughout the winter under 
favorable conditions. Although it is an annual plant, it is said to become a short- 
lived perennial under close grazing, which prevents the production of seed. In 
ordinary practice the grass is allowed to reseed itself each season. Where grazed, 
stock should be taken off long enough to allow seed to ripen in the early summer. 
If it is cut for hay in March, the aftermath will usually reseed the ground. A sum- 
mer crop may be grown on the same ground if it be taken off early enough to allow 
the young plants to begin their growth in the fall. Rescue grass is best adapted to 
rich, loamy soils. On light, poor soils it is probably inferior to rye or oats for 
pasturage or hay. 

Chess is becoming more and more common as a weed in southern wheat fields. 
In some parts of the country, particularly in the Northwest, it has considerable 
value as a hay crop. A similar value has sometimes been claimed for it in the 
Southern States, but the general opinion is quite the opposite. It often appears 
abundantly where grain crops have been killed by unfavorable conditions. There 
are, however, other catch crops with fewer weedy tendencies and greater forage 
value which may be employed in such cases. In feeding value, as indicated by 
chemical analyses, chess ranks lower than most grasses, including rescue grass. 
This has been proved to be true of it even in the Northwest, where it is so largely 
used for hay. 



B. P. I.— 57. S. P. I. D.— 34. 

II.-SARAGOLLA WHEAT. 

By David G. Fairchild, Aijricullural Explorer. 



Italy is the land of macaroni, and the best of this remarkable food 
product in the world is to be had in Naples. There seems to be an 
agreeable flavor about Neapolitan macaroni which is characteristic of 
it and which one does not find in the French or Spanish, or even in the 
north Italian made product. Macaroni a la Napolitona, with its sauce 
made from the plum-like tomatoes that one sees hung up to dry every- 
where on the walls of the narrow streets of Naples, must be tasted 
within sight of Vesuvius before one can judge this national Italian 
dish. 

In searching for a reason for this superiority of the Neapolitan 
macaroni, the writer's attention was called to the fact that an especially 
fine-flavored variety is made from a native wheat called Saragolla, and 
that this variety is made only in small quantities. Paradoxical as it 
may seem to the American who is ready to pay any price for the best 
food products, the very finest quality of Italian macaroni is not often 
exported to America. This is a statement which the writer feels war- 
ranted in making after interviewing some of the largest exporters of 
macaroni, as well as the famous producers of Gragnano and Torre 
Annunziata. The reason for this anomalous condition of the trade 
lies in the fact that the very finest kind of macaroni keeps only a few 
months, while the commonly exported article remains good for a year. 

In the days before the macaroni trade had assumed the proportions 
that it now occupies in the commerce of Italy it was supposed that 
only the hard wheats of Apulia and Sicily could be used in its manu- 
facture, but as the demand for this foodstuff increased the hard 
wheats of other countries were imported. Among these wheats those 
from southern Russia, the so-called Taganrog varieties, proved best 
suited to the demands of the manufacturer. They are now imported 
in large quantities every year, and the majority of the macaroni is 
said to be made from these imported wheats. Nevertheless the manu- 
factui'ers still consider the durum wheat of the province of Apulia to 
have ix flavor superior to the imported varieties, and they place the so- 
called Saragolla wheat at the head of all macaroni wheats so far as the 
production of a fine-flavored product is concerned. 



10 MISCELLANEOUS PAPERS. 

The market price of the SaragoUa wheat ranges from 1.25 to 1.75 
lire per quintal higher than that chai-ged for the best Taganrog sorts, 
even after a duty of 8 lire jDer quintal has been paid; and the reason 
for this higher price is not so much in the better flavor of the Italian 
wheat as in the greater yield of semola per given weight of grain. 
The semola makers get proportionately more salable product out of 
the SaragoUa wheats than they do out of those from Taganrog or 
other sources of import. 

It is from these south Italian wheats that the most delicate macaroni 
of Naples is made, and the connoisseur who wants to live well in 
southern Italy insists on having his macaroni made from the hard 
wheats of Apulia. It makes little difference to him that the more 
delicate variet}" does not keep so well and more quickly falls a prey to 
the attacks of insects. What he wants is the fine flavor. 

Like the export Munich beer, or the canned Danish butter, macaroni 
designed for sale in America, it is said, must be especially prepared, 
and the tougher gluten of the Taganrog wheat renders the macaroni 
that is made from it better suited for the export trade. Mixtures of 
the imported and the SaragoUa wheat are also often made, it is said. 

The region south of Foggia near the Adriatic coast of southern 
Italy, where this best Italian macaroni wheat is grown, is one of the 
driest in the countr}-, having an annual rainfall of onlj- 446.7 mm., or 
about 17.69 inches. In this respect it is but little superior to some of 
the Russian wheat regions, which have, according to Carleton, about 
15 inches. 

Whether or not the generally acknowledged superiority of Italian 
macaroni, even that made from Taganrog wheat, is due to the water 
used in its manufacture is a question which would probably require 
much study to answer. It is difficult to understand how any bacteria 
present in the water used to make the paste can influence the flavor, 
for it is employed while boiling hot. There is a possibilitj^, however, 
that in the cellaring process, or the preliminary drying in the open 
air, the freshly made macaroni ma^^ be affected by the bacteria with 
which the air of the moist cellars and exposed drving places must be 
filled. 

Although perhaps superfluous to the American manufacturer of 
macaroni, a description of the process of making it as followed in 
Gragnano and Torre Annunziata maj' have some interest as being that 
pursued hj some of the most famous factories in the world. 

To travelers in Itah^ these towns are pointed out as nestling at the 
base of Vesuvius and forming scarcely more than suburbs to the big 
city of Naples. They are dependent upon the manufacture of the 
pastas, as the various types of macaroni are called, and hand-worked 
mills stand side bj' side with those run by steam; all squeezing out 
long strings of yellow paste, which are cut and hung up on poles to 



SARAGOLLA WHEAT. 11 

dry. The housetops, courtyards, narrow streets, and hillsides are 
covered with thousands of reed poles bending- under the weight of 
yellow nuieai'oni, and scattered over the ground on mats lie different 
sorts of short-shaped pastas. 

The process of manufacture seems exceedingly^ simple, but ther(>, may, 
for all that, be secrets of the trade. As described in general by the 
manager of a large mill in Torre Annunziata the mode followed bj'^ the 
steam factories is as follows: 

The durum wheat is ground into semola and sieved to remove the 
starchy part of the giuins and leave the clear, light amber, or glutinous 
part. Three or four grades of quality are made, and these depend on 
the size of the sieve meshes. 

The semola is put into a special iron mixer, shaped like an old- 
fashioned artiller}^ mortar, except that it is square instead of cylindrical, 
and furnished in the bottom with special screw-shaped fans with which 
to stir the paste or dough. Boiling water is added to the semola and 
the dough is mixed for about seven minutes. The mass is then put 
on a flat, circular kneading board and kneaded bj^ two sharp-edged 
parallel beams, which rise and fall as the table turns and press into the 
dough as they descend. A few minutes of kneading are sufficient and 
the homogeneous dough is then put into the cylinder and the piston 
descends upon the mass, forcing it in strings slow!}' through the per- 
forated plate at the bottom. Fifteen minutes are required to convert 
the gallons of dough into thousands of feet of yellow macaroni. The 
yellow color is produced by the use of saffron, of which powder a very 
small quantity is put into each batch of dough. 

As soon as the strings of fresh paste which issue continually from 
the die are of the proper length they are cut and thrown over a reed 
pole and carried into the sunlight, if the weather is fair, or into 
sheltered terraces, protected by curtains from the rain, if the weather 
is unfavorable. On bright days the strings of macaroni are exposed 
to the sunlight onlj' two hours. Thej' must be dried out only slightly 
before being cellared for the night in dungeon-like underground 
vaults similar to the Bavarian beer cellars. 

For twelve hours or more the poles of macaroni are kept in these 
damp places, until the dough has become moist and pliable again and 
the strings have lost the brittleness that the exposure to the sunlight 
has given them. From the cellars the poles are carried to shaded 
storehouses, open on all sides to the air but not lighted from above. 
Here, in great masses of millions of strings, they hang for several 
days — from eight to twenty being required, depending upon the dry- 
ness of the atmosphere. According to the statements of the manager 
of a factory this process of drying is necessary to give to the brittle 
paste a horn like toughness and fit it to withstand the rough handling 
to which it will be subjected without breaking into small pieces. 



12 MISCELLANEOUS PAPEBS. 

In all this simple process the one point at which bacteria might have 
a chance to play a role is in the first drying, cellaring, and subsequent 
slow drying in the shade. The theory that the water is responsible 
for the flavor must rest, it seems to the writer, on other than bac- 
terial grounds, for from the appearance of the tank which supplied 
the hot water the inference is easy that the water is chalybeate, for 
the tank was incrusted with lime. 

If, aside from the superiority of the macaroni of Gragnano, which is 
made from Taganrog wheat, a specially fine flavor is produced by the 
use of Saragolla grain, the growers of durum wheats in America 
deserve to have their attention called to this variety and be given an 
opportunity to test it on a reasonably large scale. The thin-skinned 
nature of the sort and its consequent greater semola-producing prop- 
erties maj^ not be maintained in all places in America, but regions may 
be found where these valuable qualities as well as the flavor are 
retained, and the wheat may prove, as it evidently does in Apulia, a 
profitable crop. 

Naples, Novemher 9, 1902. 



B. P. I.— .58. S. ?. I. D.— 35. 

III.-PLANT INTRODUCTION NOTES FROM SOUTH AFRICA." 

By David G. Faiechild, Agricultural Explorer. 



INTRODUCTION. 

From the standpoint of an agricultural explorer South Africa is a 
land of newly introduced plants. Compared with old civilized coun- 
tries, like Egypt and Japan, it is poor in cultivated species that are 
suitable for introduction into America. Its native flora is rich, but 
the number of economic plants is small and the most important of 
these have been brought into Africa in comparatively recent times. 
Only one who has been bewildered by the hosts of cultivated native 
plants of the Malay Archipelago can f ullj^ realize the dearth of food 
plants of South Africa. The explanation is simple. The Kafirs and 
Hottentots were, like our American Indians, races of hunters, and lived 
mostly on the immense herds of game which roamed over the vast 
areas of grass land on the South African veldt. As these herds of 
antelope and other game diminished in numbers or disappeared the 
natives became stock raisers and counted their wealth by the number 
of cattle they owned. The cultivation of the soil, which in such lancte 
as Java or Japan was the chief occupation of the people, played a 
small r61e among the blacks of Cape Colony, and in consequence few 
wild plants were brought into cultivation, and the staple food plants of 
other races, when introduced late in the history of the country, were 
accepted by the Kafirs and grown in a careless, slovenlj' manner. The 
mealies of the country are the maize plants from America. Cassava 
is the West Indian manihot, Kafir corn is the " Dura" of the Arabs, 

« Several South African wild plants have already found their way into cultivation 
as valuable ornamentals, but, as Mr. Fairchild has pointed out in the present Bulle- 
tin, the South African flora is poor in economic species. There are some, however, 
that may prove valuable additions to the forage resources of our Southwest, and the 
grapes and the pineapples described will certainly be worth a careful trial. 

The plants and seeds sent through the kindness of Mr. Lathrop have been dis- 
tributed in such a manner that we shall be able to watch the growth of these plants 
in the United States. — A. J. Pietees, Botanist in Charge of Seed and Plant Introduction 
and Distribution, Washington, D. C, May 8, 1903. 

13 



14 MISCELLANEOUS PAPERS. 

and rice and potatoes were practically unknown among their cultivated 
plants. 

It is no wonder that a country in which the natives have neglected 
their indigenous fruits and grains, and in whose footsteps the early 
white settlers followed, should prove a land poor in cultivated plants 
that are worthy of introduction into the New World. 

A few things have, however, been called to the writer's attention 
during a stay of some weeks in the country, and these have seemed 
worthy of writing about for the information of American cultivators. 

SOME CAPE SEEDLING GRAPE VARIETIES. 

It were strange if in so old and isolated a vine region as South 
Africa seedling varieties of the grape had not originated. 

Mr. Eustace Pillans, at present in charge of the Government Wine 
Farm at Constantia, has called the writer's attention to three varieties 
which are either known to be Cape seedlings or are of doubtful Cape 
origin, and the department of agriculture of the colony has, with that 
liberality which characterizes it, offered to send in July next a quantity 
of cuttings of each to America. 

THE KED HANEPOOT GRAPE. 

The Red Hanepoot, which ranks as one of the best export table 
grapes from South Africa, and which is called by the late Mr. De 
Waal, vine expert of the Cape government, the Red Muscat of Alex- 
andria, is described as a variety with large, loose bunches, a large oval 
berry, which is dark red when ripe and has a sweet and musky flavor. 
It requires a lime and clay subsoil, and its fruit ripens in the middle of 
the grape season. 

The origin of the Red Hanepoot, I am told, is not known, but it is 
believed to be a seedling of the White Muscat, called at the Cape 
White Hanepoot, and Mr. Bioletti, wine expert at the Elsenburg 
Agricultural School, who was formerly connected with the California 
Experiment Station, assures me that it is probably of Cape origin, and 
so far as he knows is not grown anywhere in California. Its good 
shipping qualities and its excellence as a table grape will, Mr. Bioletti 
thinks, give it a place beside the Flame Tokay, from which it differs 
in its decided musky flavor. Its excellent eating qualities Mr. Lathrop 
and the writer had an opportunity of testing, and there can be no 
doubt of its desirability for Californian vineyards. Like the other 
Muscat varieties, it is difficult to graft successfully upon resistant 
American stocks, and at the Cape it has succeeded best upon a seed- 
ling variety of Vitis rup&itris called "Ze Haux," which is likewise of 
South African origin. 



PLANT INTRODUCTION NOTES. 15 

VITIS RUPE8TKIS METALLICA. 

Vitis rupestris metallica is the name given by the late Mr. De Waal 
to a resistant stock grown from American seed on the Government 
Wine Farm at Constantia. This is quite distinct, Mr. Bioletti says, 
from a French varietj^ bearing the same name, and is another of the 
Cape productions which is worthy of the attention of California vine- 
yardists. It was a chance seedling, like the Riparia Gloire de Mont- 
pellier stock so universally used, according to De Waal, in the Medoc 
vine region of France. Iii the Agricultural Journal for December, 
1901, Mr. De Waal published the following statement in reference to 
the origin of this interesting variety, which is, according to Mr. Pillans, 
taking the lead all over the colony as a grafting stock for wine grapes: 

RUPESTRIS METALLICA. 

This variety is derived from one seedling stock selected at Groot Constantia from 
amongst thousands. It was picked out in the year 1894, and new stocks were multi- 
plied as fast as possible by the single-bud or one-eye system of propagation. In 1896 
a mother plantation of 3,500 vines was laid out. The combined plantations have 
this year (1901) given a return of 687,000 cuttings, exclusive of several cartloads of 
thin ends. As many other mother plantations of this variety have, during the past 
few years, been laid out in the Constantia and other districts, the old mother stock, 
selected in 1894, must this year have given rise to an output of several millions of 
cuttings. The Rupestris Metallica is a strong grower and will thrive well in any 
loose soil, loam, gravel, or sand, and also in dry, open, heavy soils; it can besides 
stand a fair amount of wet in loose soils. It forms an excellent graft bearer for all 
varieties of European vines, except the Hanepoot, and, possibly also, other members 
of the Muscat family. A large percentage of Hanepoot grafts will die back on it 
even after a very successful start, and as a stock for Muscat Hambourg its suitability 
is also doubted. It appears to answer fairly well as a graft bearer for Muscadel, but 
sufficient experience on this point has not yet been gained to recommend it unre- 
servedly as a stock for that variety. 

The latest verdict regarding this Metallica stock from Mr. C. Mayer, 
who has not been an enthusiastic believer in it, is that it is suitable 
for dry, light sandy soils, but not for heavy ones. It is remarkable 
for the ease with which the cuttings root and can be grafted upon. 
The proportion of failures among grafts upon this stock is said to be 
remarkably small, and when millions of grafts are concerned this item 
is an important one. 

The vigorous nature of the Metallica is claimed by Mr. Pillans to 
impart to the graft a very remarkable productiveness, and certainly 
when compared at Groot Constantia with the same varieties grafted 
on other American stalks of French origin, the load of fruit on the 
metallica vines this season bore out Mr. Pillans's belief. Considei'ed 
from the standpoint, then, of a quick-rooting, easy-grafting, vigorous 
stock, which produces good bearing vines, the Vitis rupestris metallica 
is well worth an extensive trial in California. 



16 MISCELLANEOUS PAPERS. 

VITIS EUPESTRIS LE ROTJX. 

The Muscat varieties of table grapes, which are among the best, do 
not generally thrive well when grafted on American phylloxera-resist- 
ant stocks, and vineyardists in California are, according to Mr. Bioletti, 
looking for a better variety of stock than those already in use. 

In Cape Colony, two of the best table grapes, the White and Red 
Hanepoot sorts, are of the Muscat type, and in replanting the vine- 
yards with resistant stocks, the ordinary Riparia and Rupestris 
varieties have proven uncongenial to these Muscat kinds. 

In March, 1899, the Cape department of agriculture appointed a 
commission to investigate the causes of this failure of the Hanepoot 
grafts on American vines. 

In their printed report members of this commission call attention 
to the Le Roux, a seedling variety of American parentage which 
originated in the Cape and which has proved a successful stock for the 
Hanepoot variety of Muscat grape, of which there are six-year-old 
plants growing in the colony. 

This Le Roux grape is named after Mr. Le Roux, of Drakenstein, 
upon whose place the seedling was raised and first propagated. Such 
a stock which, although not yet thoroughly tested, promises to be well 
suited for Muscat varieties, deserves the attention of our vine growers. 

FBTTIT-BEABING HEDGE PLANTS. 

The finest hedges in Natal are the evergreen amatungulas, which are 
made from the white-flowered, red-fruited Carissa grandiflora, a native 
of the colony. It is rare to find a fruit-bearing hedge, and of all those 
which the writer has seen the amatungulas are the most desirable. 
The genus Carissa contains a number of thorny, evergreen shrubs 
which bear pretty white flowers and edible red fruit. 

On the markets in Durban the long, brilliant red fruit of the ama- 
tungulas is commonly sold; in fact, during January and February it is 
one of the commonest fruits to be seen in the stalls. Though variable 
in size and shape, it has generally an elongated form, with a distinct 
point, and the diameter of a good-sized Damson plum. The thin, red 
skin covers a pink flesh with a milky juice, which in flavor is sweet 
but lacks character, although much praised by European residents for 
use in making fruit salads. 

To make an amatungula hedge, Mr. I. Medley Wood, the curator 
of the Durban botanic gardens, informs me, is a very simple matter. 
The seeds are sown in a seed bed, and when the young plants are 6 
inches high they are transplanted to the place chosen for the hedge 
and set a foot apart, alternately in parallel rows, distant from one 
another a foot or more. As the plants grow they are trimmed into 
the desired hedge form, and the oftener they are trimmed the thickei- 



PLANT INTRODUCTION NOTES. 17 

th^j interweave their toug-h, thornj' branches, making an impenetrable 
barrier for stock of all kinds. "When in flower the white, jasmine- 
lilve blossoiMs show otif strikingly against the dark background of foli- 
age; and the red fruit which follows is quite as prettj'. It is an 
interesting sight to see the children hunting up and down the hedges 
about the city houses for the ripe amatungulas, with which they fill 
their aprons. 

A nearly related species of ('arissa (C. arduina DC.) is one of the 
prettiest shrubs in the municipal gardens in Cape Town. Its sym- 
metrical form and dark-green leaves and branches make it well worth 
a place on the lawn of any subtropical park, while its pendant red 
fruits, which look like large barberries, make a showy contrast to the 
dark background. These fruits, like the amatungulas, are filled with 
a milky-juiced flesh, and are not unpleasant to the taste, although thej^ 
have no sprightliuess of flavor. 

Whether or not the genus has in it sufficient material from which, 
by breeding, a new superlative fruit plant can be produced, which at 
the same time will make good hedges, is a question for experiment. 

RHODES GRASS. 

At Groot Schur, Mr. Cecil Rhodes's estate, near Cape Town, there 
are several large grass fields of a species of chloris {C. virgata Sw.) 
grown from seed which Mr. Rhodes had collected in the eastern prov- 
inces of Cape Colony some j^ears ago. Although, according to Pro- 
fessor MacOwan, the plant occurs commouh' in the subtropical zone 
in other continents, from the fact that it was first brought into culture 
in South Africa bj' so noted a man as Mr. Rhodes it has been given 
the name of Rhodes grass. 

Like other species of the same genus, this one sends out long, creep- 
ing stems, which lie flat on the ground, and from these the finger-like 
inflorescences arise. These stems Ij'iug on the ground are tough and 
hard and are likely to be of little food value, but the mass of leaves 
which is produced above them on good soil attains, it is said, a foot or 
more in height and has excellent feeding properties. 

It does not seem likely that this species will prove more resistant to 
drought than manj' other grasses, for on the slopes of Table Mountain 
a patch was pointed out which was evidentl}' not a success, and the only 
explanation for the failure was that the ground there was too dry. 
However, the planters to whom the steward of the estate has distrib- 
uted seed have found the grass a valuable fodder plant, and there is 
such a local demand for the seed that a single sack was all that could 
be secured for trial in America. This quantity was given after appli- 
cation to the Chartered South African Company and to the steward of 
Groot Schur. 

27609— No. 25—03 2 



18 MISCELLANEOUS PAPERS. 

THE KAFIR PLUM AS A SHADE TREE. 

Professor MacOwaii, whose writings on South African plants are so 
well known, showed the writer a row of Kafir plum trees which, by 
his advice, were planted in the grounds of the Parliament building- at 
Cape Town. Pie pointed out that, owing to the situation of the adjoin- 
ing houses, they were subjected to the most violent cross winds, and 
that ordinary trees which had been tried there were unable to keep 
their shape. A "southeaster" which came up before leaving Cape 
Town permitted the writer to see how these trees were whipped and 
beaten about with the winds from Table Mountain. It is truly 
remarkable how well they bear the rough treatment. 

The evergreen foliage of this interesting tree is dense and dark, 
and casts a deep shade, whicli in sunnj- climates is always a desirable 
character. Its gray trunk and upright branches produce a graceful 
vase form, while its bright red plum-like fruits show off in pretty 
contrast against the dark background of leaves. 

These plums are nearlj^ all seed, only a thin layer of subacid pulp 
lying between the stone and the thin red skin, and though the}^ are of 
sufBcient sweetness to be attractive to children, thej' would find no use 
in our American households. 

The species is a tender one and could onlj^ succeed in the frostless 
regions of the country, but its characters as a shade or avenue tree 
should win for it a place among the ornamentals of the subti'opical zone. 

According to the conservator of forests of Cape Colony, Mr. D. E. 
Hutchins, the Kafir plum is a large timber tree of the eastern prov- 
inces and produces a useful wood that is almost indistinguishable fi'om 
mahoganjr, and which, like the latter, requires careful seasoning. 

THE ROOI-BLOEM, A NEW CORN PARASITE. 

Plant introduction concerns itself with calling to f)ublic notice plants 
which should not be introduced as well as those that are eligible for 
cultivation. 

Professor MacOwan handed the writer the letters which are here 
reproduced, and which call attention in a forcible waj^ to a parasite 
of the Indian corn plant which might prove a great pest if once intro- 
duced into our corn belt. 

The plant has caused damage among the mealies (Indian corn) in 
Natal, and the Government entomologist, Mr. Fuller, has published 
in his reports notices of its ravages. While it appears to cause the 
most injury in poorlj^ cultivated ground, and, in the opinion of Mr. 
Fuller, requires only clean culture to get rid of it, it is no doubt a 
pest that American corn growers should beware of introducing. The 
danger of its introduction seems quite remote, since no grain is 
imported from South Africa to America, but still it would be well to 
guard against anj' chance of its being introduced. 



PLANT INTRODUCTION NOTES. 19 

Transvaal DErARXMEXT op Agriculture, 
Government Bi'ildings, 
Pretoria, February S4, 1903. 
Sir: I am sending you per same post a box containing a weed forwarded to me for 
identification. As we are at present witliout a botanist, I trust you will kindly help 
me in the matter. * * * For your fuller information I inclose the letter which 
accompanied the specimen. 

I have the honor to be, sir, your iiliedient servant, 

R. A. Davis. 
Professor MacOwan, Cape Tinm. 



[Inolosure.] 

Sandbach, Amsterdam P. 0., February 15, 1903. 
Sir: I am sending you by this post a box containing a weed which is very preva- 
lent on this farm. The Dutch call it " Roo'i-bloem." When it appears among mealies 
it immediately kills the mealies. I have a field of over 40 acres which had a first- 
class crop of mealies three weeks ago; since then this " Rooi-bloem" has appeared, 
and I am ctoubtful if I shall get five bags off the whole field. The Dutch say there 
is no cure for it, and nothing can be done to eradicate it; but I can not find out 
whether anything has lieeu tried. Will you be good enough to inquire if any known 
cure exists? It is said that " Rjol-bloeni " only affects mealies. I have been trying 
to get oats for sowing in April, but can not get any "Africander" oats. 
Yours, faithfully, 

G. S. Leslie. 
Secuktarv Land Board, Pretoria. 



Cape Government Herbarium, 

Cape Town, February 28, 1903. 

My dear Sir: I am in receipt of your letter of the 24th instant respecting a weed 
doing mischief in mealie crops, and of the sample belonging thereto. 

The plant is a semiparasite, Slrlga cocdnea Bth., and is not infrequent on our 
eastern frontier. Its haljits resemble those of Rhinanthus criUa-galli L., the "yellow 
rattle," and Melarnpyrum pratense L., in that it is able to live easily on its own roots 
like other normal plants, but also to attach itself to those of more succulent neigh- 
bors and draw surreptitiously upon their food material. It will work when it must, 
but prefers the easier life of a predatory parasitism. 

As to extirpation of this showy interloper, advise your correspondent to give vip 
for the present the culture of cereals upon the acreage infested with Slriya, so that 
the parasite shall find no host to receive it, and perseveringly plow and cross 
plow, following with the harrow to get the weeds into heaps for drying and burn- 
ing. A crop of totally different character, such as lucerne, for instance, would be 
best. But if local conditions do not allow of this, a double cropping with rape, to 
be grown on till fit for stock food, fed off, and then turned in to make way for the 
second crop suggests itself. The object is to give no chance to the Siriga to renew 
its parasitism. The seed of the Striga is small and tenacious of life, hence the 
repeated working of the soil is important. Also it would be well to use kraal manure 
in place of stable dung. It is astonishing what a number of weed seeds pass through 
the intestinal tract of the horse, and since we very rarely keep his contribution to 
the fertility of the farm long enough to insure their lieing killed out by a proper 
rotting down, we innocently sow a crop of weeds along with the manure. This is 
the secret of the spread of "zuuring" far and wide. 



20 MISCELLANEOUS PAPERS. 

Will you hereafter let me know what is decided on and what the results amount 
to ? I will consult our recently arrived agricultural assistant, and will let you know 
sharp whether he has anything different to recommend. 
Eemainins, mv dear sir, vours, faithfully, 

P. :MacOwax. 
E. A. Davis, Esq., Pretoria. 

THE NATAL PINEAPPLE. 

The common pineapple of ISatal, which i;> served everywhere in the 
colony on private and hotel tables, is one of the most satisfactory 
varieties of this fruit in the world. 

Mr. Lathrop, who has traveled for many years in pineapple-growing 
countries, found the Natal pine one of the most delicious and in cer- 
tain respects the most satisfactory of anj- which he had ever eaten. 

This varietj^ is a small one, the fruit often not being- over 6 inches 
long, but this is one of its desirable characters. It is just large 
enough to serve as an individual fruit at a diiiner table, and the result 
is that in Natal one is given a whole pineapple and prepares it himself, 
instead of a slice from a fruit that has been prepared in the kitchen 
and in which fermentation has already set in. 

The form of this fruit is in all ways satisfactory. It has a small 
cluster of leaves at the apex, just large enough to serve as a good 
handle when you are preparing it for eating. The seed cavities are 
small and do not enter a great distance into the fruit. The skin is 
thin and easilj" cut off with a sharp knife. The flesh, which has a 
golden-yellow color when ripe, is so crisp and brittle that you can 
break it awaj' from the slender core with a fork almost as easily as 
you could tear an apple to pieces. Many pines having a deliciously 
fla^•ored flesh are so tough and full of fiber that it is only with diffi- 
culty that portions can be separated from the core for eating. This 
character of tender, fiberless flesh is possessed b}' the Natal pine to a 
ver}' marked degree, and especiall}' recommends it to people whose 
delicate digestion prohibits their eating the ordinary sorts, which con- 
tain more or less fibrous matter. 

As regards flavor this variety leaves little to be desired. It has the 
characteristic pineapple taste, is deliciously sweet, and compares in 
these characters very favorably with the best hothouse pines. It may 
not be quite so juicy as the latter, but this character can scarcely be 
considered an objection to it. 

No pine that has come to our attention has so little core to it as this 
Natal sort. Some fruits have scarceh* any core, the pencil-thick cen- 
ter part itself being tender enough to eat, and as a rule the core spin- 
dle which one discards in eating is not over a half inch in diameter. 

According to those with whom the writer talked the origin of this 
Natal pine is not known, though it has been in cultivation many years 
in the colony. Some time ago the Government, under the impression 



PLANT INTRODUCTION NOTES. 21 

that foreign varieties -were better than their own, introduced suckers 
of the Ceylon and other hirger fruited sorts for trial. These intro- 
ductions have produced no effect upon the cultivation of this native 
sort, I am informed, and the "common pine" is still the great market 
variety of South Africa. 

This Natal varietj- is so remarkable that suckers for introduction 
into America would have been secured had not man}- of the fruits 
seen in the markets and on the hotel tables Ijeen affected with what 
appears to be a disease; and although the contagious character of this 
malady or even its detei'raination as of fungus or bacterial origin could 
not be decided, it was deemed best to take no chances of introducing 
it into our pineapple plantations. 

The fruits affected by this disease have generally soft spots on them 
near the base, which, when cut into, are found to reach some distance 
into the flesh. The small cavities characteristic of the outer part of 
the pine are in these affected areas of a peculiar white color. This 
appearance resembles somewhat that produced bj- a felt of very fine 
fungous mycelium, but with a high-power hand lens no mycelial fila- 
ments could be detected. The same white color is also often produced 
in fruit flesh b}' the drying out of the juicy cells, and I am inclined to 
think that empty air-filled cells are the cause of the snowy-white 
appearance in this case. The flesh about the diseased areas is soft and 
juicy, but in none of the fruits examined was there any dark discolora- 
tion such as characterizes the pineapple disease described from Queens- 
land and which is reported to be caused by the conidial, Fusarium-like 
form of some Ascomj'cete. This Natal maladj' does not agree with the 
description of the Queensland disease, and, if it proves to be a fungous 
disease at all, will probably be found to be caused by some new species 
of fungus. 

A pine which is probably identical with this Natal variety' is grown 
extensivel}' in the eastern provinces of Cape Colony. It is there culti- 
vated on the hillsides at a considerable altitude and not on the level 
plains, and it is grown in such quantities that the markets ever3^where 
are overstocked with it. Pineapples are the cheapest fruit in South 
Africa. 

Some of these eastern province pineapples were sent for by the 
Cape department of agriculture in order that we might compare 
them with the Natal varietj'. These, although not quite so luscious 
as those eaten in Natal, were evidently the same sort, and the very 
slight inferiorit}^ in flavor might be easih' explained bj^ the fact that 
the eastern-province fruits were picked before becoming quite ripe in 
order to ship well, while the Natal ones came more directly from the 
fields. 

Through the department of agriculture a number of suckers of this 
eastern-province pineapple were ordered after it was ascertained that 



22 MISCELLANEOUS PAPERS. 

the disease which affected the Natal fruits was unknown there. These 
were to be sent from perfectly healthy plantations" and are unques- 
tionabl}' safe for introduction; but in order to make doubly sure of 
not introducing anj' pernicious pests, the introduced suckers will be 
grown apart from the commercial plantations and carefull}' watched. 

^According to Mr. Malley, the Assistant Cape Entomologist, there are, in the east- 
ern provinces, plantations in which pines do not grow well and some situations 
where pineapple growing has had to be abandoned. AVhether any specific disease 
is the cause of this or not is a disputed question. A careful examination on his part 
failed to reveal any cause, and it seems m(jst likely that unsuitable physical condi- 
tiona will account for the failure of the fruit in these situations. 



B. P. I.— S9. 



S. P. I. D— 36. 



I\'. CONGRESSIONAL SHHD AND PLANT 
CIRCULARS, lflO-2-1903/' 



DISTRIBUTION 



[Circular sent tn Senators. Members, and J)olegates in Congress.] 

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION AND ALLOTMENTS OF CONGRESSIONAL 
SEEDS AND PLANTS, 1902-1903. 

Some changes in the plan of conducting the Congressional distribu- 
tion of seeds, plants, bulbs, etc., during the fiscal year 1902-1903 have 
been approved by the Honorable Secretarj^ of Agriculture, and in 
order to aid j'ou in preparing addressed franlvs your attention is 
respectfully called to the changes .set forth below. 




Fig. 4. — irap showing the districts into which the United States has been divided for seed 

distribution purposes. 

Division of the country. — With a view of handling the seed to bet- 
ter advantage the country has been divided into six districts, and 
varieties of .seeds and plants particularlj^ adapted to each district will 



"This i^ublication consi.sts of a number of circulars prepared by different members 
of the scientific force of the Bureau of Plant Industry and one prepared by the Chief 
of the Bureau of Soils. These circulars were originally printed to accompany the 
seeds sent out through the Congressional distribution and consist of descriptions of 
varieties and directions for their culture. Many of these contain txiatter that should 
form part of the permanent records of the Department, and they have therefore been 
collected for publication in this form. — A. .1. Pieters, Botanist in Charge of Seed and 
Plant Introduction and Distribution, Wasliinr/ton, D. C, May 13, 1903. 

23 



24 MISCELLANEOUS PAPERS. 

be distributed therein. The accompanying small map shows the man- 
ner in which the divisions have been made. 

Yegetable seeds. — There will be, as usual, a distribution of miscella- 
neous vegetable seeds, and in addition it is planned to furnish a limited 
number of packages of novelties — that is, seeds of varieties either new 
or little known and of peculiar merit for distribution in each locality. 
The miscellaneous vegetable seeds will be put up as usual. 5 packets 
in a package, and each Senator, Member, and Delegate in Congress 
will have 12,000 such packages to his credit. There will be 500 
packages containing the novelties, each package containing 5 packets. 
The novelties will be accompanied \)j a circulai- describing the vai'ie- 
ties in full and giving directions for culture and use. There will also 
be a franked postal card for each collection of the novelties, so that 
the recipient maj', if he desires, signify his willingness to make a 
report to the Department on the seeds received. 

Floxoer seeds. — The number of packages of flower seeds allotted to 
each Senator, Member, and Delegate in Congress has been increased 
to 500, and arrangements have been made whereby members having 
city constituents may exchange vegetable seeds for flower seeds, if 
they so desire. Details of this arrangement will be furnished later. 
A special collection of flower seeds will be prepared for those having 
strictly city constituents, the varieties chosen being suitable for win- 
dow boxes, lots, and small dooryards. 

Cotton and tobacco. — The plan adopted last year of putting up special 
collections of cotton and tobacco best adapted to the districts into 
which they are sent will be continued. This work has proved very 
satisfactory, as through it many valuable varieties have been distributed. 

Grass seed and forage crops. — Plans for the distribution of these 
seeds have not yet been fully matured, and a later announcement will 
therefore be sent out as soon as complete arrangements are perfected. 

Plants, trees, and grapevines. — The distribution of plants, trees, and 
grapevines will be similar to that of last year, excepting that the 
number of trees will be increased to 100 for each Senator, Member, 
and Delegate. Full information as to the character of the trees, 
plants, etc., will be forwarded later. 

Bulbs. — These will be ready for distribution early in November, and 
they should be distributed prompth' in order to secure the best results. 
Due notice will be forwarded when the bulbs are received. 

Loose pacliets of vegetable seed. — In order to enable Senators, ^I em- 
bers, and Delegates to quicklj' meet small miscellaneous demands for 
vegetable seed, loose packets of the assoi'tments put up for general 
distribution will be sent to committee rooms, or elsewhere in Wash- 
ington, upon receipt of proper orders. Envelopes for forwarding 
these packets through the mails will also be furnished. This plan will 
make it practicable to send out packages containing more than five 



SEED AND PLANT DISTKIBUTIOJST. 25 

packets, if it is desired to do so. In no case, liowever, can tlie Depart- 
ment put up such pacliets, as the larg-e number of packages to be 
distributed makes it necessary to use uniform numbers. 

Franhfi. — The present session of Congress authorized the Public 
Printer to furnish the Secretary of Agriculture with the franks of 
Senators and Members necessary' for sending out the seeds. Arrange- 
ments have therefore been made for securing franks with the facsimile 
signatures of Senators and Members, together with their respective 
States, printed thereon. These franks will be furnished at once, in 
sufficient qiiantitj^ for vegetable and flower seeds, upon request made 
to the Secretarj' of Agriculture. With this arrangement there will be 
no necessity for using document slips, and all of those made for the 
seed work will be of uniform size and style. 

Southern distribution. — It is planned to make the distribution in 
sections 1 and 2 at an earlier date than heretofore, and to this end 
arrangements have been made to begin the work in September. In 
order to do this, members from these sections are eai'nestly requested 
to turn in their addressed slijjs as early as possible. 

The following statement shows the amounts of seeds, bulbs, plants, 
and trees, so far as the allotments have been made, for the liscal year 
1902-3. 

Each Senator, Member, and Delegate will receive: 

Vegetable seed, 12,000 packages, 5 papers each. 

Novelties, vegetable seed, 500 packages, 5 papers each. 

Flower seed, 500 packages, 5 papers each. 

Tobacco seed, 110 packages, 5 papers each, to districts growing 
tobacco. 

Cotton seed, 70 packages, 1 peck each, to districts growing cotton. 

Lawn grass seed, 30 packages. 

Forage crop seed, allotment not yet made. 

Sorghum seed, allotment not yet made. 

Sugar-beet seed, allotment not yet made. 

Bulbs, 10 boxes, 35 bulbs each; or 20 boxes, 17 bulbs each. 

Graj)evines, 8 packages, 5 vines each. 

Strawberry plants, 10 packages, 15 plants each. 

Trees, 20 packages, 5 trees each. 

Note. — One frank will be required for each package given above, 
and if more than one package is to be sent to one individual it will be 
necessary to have an addressed frank for each package. The smallest 
mail sacks used hold approximatel}' 100 packages of vegetable or 
flower seed, and if it is desired to send less than this number to any 
one individual it will be necessary, in order to meet the post-office 
requirements, to have an addressed frank for each package. Over 
100 packages, however, may be sent under one addressed frank, 
provided blank facsimile slips, to the number of packages desired, 



26 MISCELLANEOUS PAPERS. 

accompany the address. In other words, if it is desii-ed to send 200 
packages of seed to one individual, one addi'essed frank and 199 blank 
franks, with the name of the Senator, Member, or Delegate printed 
thereon, will answer. 

In sending addressed slijjs to the DeiMrtment, pleci^e, in every case, 
plainly mark each lot v.iith the name of the seeds or plants the slips are 
to cover, othervnse the Department will ie unable to tell what is wanted. 
Respectfully submitted. 

B. T. Galloway, 

Chief of Bureau. 
Approved: 

James Wilson, Secretary. 

Washingtox, D. C, May '28, 1902. 



[Circular sent to recipients of seeds of novelties and specialties included in Section 1 of the scheme 

of distribution.] 

DISTRIBUTION OF NOVELTIES AND SPECIALTIES. 

SECTION 1. 

The varieties included in this special disti'ibution are either new or 
are not as well known as they should be. The seeds are sent out 
this year, accompanied by full descriptions of the varieties, in the 
hope that those who receive them will report the results of their trial 
to the Department. In making the report, j)lease use the blanks 
accompauj'ing this circular and return them in the inclosed franked 
envelope, which requires no postage. 

CORN. 

Trucker's Favorite. 

A variety of field white dent corn, introduced in 1899 by T. W. 
Wood & Sons, which is recommended \>^ them for table use. It has 
found some favor as a substitute for sweet corn, but the quality is 
poor and decidedly inferior to varieties of sweet corn, though much 
better than the ordinarj^ varieties of field corn. It possesses the advan- 
tage over sweet corn in that it can be planted earlier, is hardier, and 
can be grown successfully sometimes where sweet corn does not grow 
well. In these respects it resembles the Early Adams or Burlington 
field corn, which is used so largely as sweet corn, but difi'ers from it 
principally in being larger eared and later. It is second early in 
season and follows immediately after Early Adams. The habit of the 
plant is the .same as field corn, and the ears are 14-rowed and hand- 
some. More especially adapted for large truckers than for home 
gardeners to whom quality is more of a consideration than hardiness. 

Seed furnished bv T. W. Wood & Sons, Richmond, Va. 



SEED AND PLANT DISTRIBUTION. 27 

BEET. 

Crimson Globe. 

An entirely distinct variety introduced in 1900 by Peter Henderson 
& Co. " 

Different from other kindis principally in its deep dark crimson 
color, and valuable on this account as well as for earliness, beautiful 
globe shape, and perfectlj' smooth roots, which are entirely free from 
I'oot hairs, rootlets, and markings. The taproot is also very fine and 
slender and the top very smooth, with small crown. The roots are, 
however, very small, but, the leaves being also small and very erect in 
habit, the plants can be grown very close togethei' and large crops 
obtained. The leaves are dark green in color. The flesh is a deep 
crimson and beautifully zoned with dark crimson and a lighter shade; 
the quality is verj^ sweet and tender, never coarse nor woody. The 
season is about the same as Detroit Dark Red. 

Seed furnished by T. \V. Wood & Sons, Richmond. Va. 

LETTUCE. 
Wood'.s Cabbage. 

This appears to be a strain of the well-known Hubbard's Market and 
was named and introduced in 1884 by T. W. Wood & Sons, of Rich- 
mond, Va. This is not at all a new variety or even a distinct sort, but 
is deserving of attention as an especially pure and even stock of Hub- 
bard's Market, from which it was probablj^ de^'eloped. 

The plant is medium early, medium large, thick-leaved, very solid 
and compact, strictly cabbage-heading in habit, and medium dark solid 
green in color. It is a good all-round variety, answering splendidly 
for both forcing under glass and growing outdoors either in early 
spring or midsummer. The quality is verj' fine, being tender and 
sweet and of a slightly buttery flavoi. The plants are hardy and slow 
to go to seed. 

Seed f urnislied by T. W. Wood & Sons, Richmond, Va. 

SQUASH. 
AVood's Earliest Pkolific. 

Originated with market gardeners in Hanover County, Va., and 
introduced by T. W. Wood & Sons in 1897. It is .similar in all 
respects to the well-known White Bush Scallop, but is said by the 
originators to be a week to ten days earlier and with scallops not 
quite so decided and more evenly rounded on the edge. 

This variety is a t3'pe of the summer squash seen everywhere very 
earl}' in our markets, and known as cvmling in some places and jjatty- 
pan in others. The plants are strictly bush in habit and the fruits 



28 MISCELLANEOUS VAPEES. 

flattish and round in shape, with center enlarged and margins flattened 
and scalloped. In color the fruits are a creamj- white, the surface is 
verj" smooth, and the rind is exceedingly hard when the fruit is dead 
ripe. This is the earliest squash obtainalile, and though of good 
quality it is not equal to the winter varieties which are not obtainable 
till much later in the season. 

Seed furnished by T. W. Wood ct Sons, Richmond, Va. 

TOMATO. 
Spakks's Earliana. 

Originated by George C. Sparks, of Philadelphia, and introduced 
in 1900 by Johnson & Stokes of the same city. 

This variety is unquestionably an improvement in extra earl}' toma- 
toes. While it is just as early as Atlantic Prize and similar sorts, 
which have formerly held the lead for smooth early tomatoes, it is an 
improvement on them in smoothness and size, qualities which are gen- 
erally gained at the expense of earliness. The fruits are the same 
bright red color and flattened globe shape as Atlantic Prize, but they 
are a little larger in size and a considerably larger per cent of them 
are smooth and salable in the best markets. 

The vines have fine foliage, are very open in habit, productive, and 
require but a short time to mature the season's crop. 

Seed furnished by T. W. Wood & Sons, Kichmond, Va. 

A. J. PiETERS, Botcmist in Charge. 
Approved: 

B. T. Galloway, Chief of Bureau. 



[Circular sent to recipients of seeds of novelties and specialties included in Section 2 of the schenie 

of distribution.] 

SECTION 2. 

The varieties included in this special distribution are either new or 
are not as well known as the}^ should be. The seeds are sent out this 
year, accompanied by full descriptions of the varieties, in the hope 
that those who receive them will report the results of their trial to the 
Department. In making the rejjort, please use the blanks accompa- 
nying this circular and return them in the inclosed franked envelope, 
which requires no postage. 

BEAN. 
Jones's Stringless Wax. 

Originated bj^ A. N. Jones, of Leroy, N. Y., and introduced by 
American seedsmen in ] 898. It is the result of crossing the Yosemite 
Wax with a white-seeded cross of the Ivory Pod Wax, and combines 
the superlative quality and flesh}', absolutel}' stringless pods of the 
former with the great productiveness and hiirdiness of the latter. The 



SEED AND PLANT DISTRIBUTION. 29 

"shy" bearing- and ill-shaped pods of the Yosemite are eliminated, 
while the seeds being white makes it especiallj^ valuable to market 
gardeners who wish to use it as a shell beau, in case the marketing of 
string beans proves unprofitable. The pods are very beautiful, of a 
waxy white color, cylindrical in shape, and of medium size. The 
plants are veiy earl}', very dwarf in habit, and run remarkably even 
and pure. This variety is similar to the recently introduced Golden 
Crown Stringless, and also to the old and well-known Challenge 
Black Wax, from which it differs principalh' in color of seed and 
larger vine. 

Seed furnislied by D. M. Ferry & Co., Detroit, Mich. 

ONION. 

Southern Grown Yellow Globe Danvees. 

This seed is said by the grower to be specially adapted for the 
Southern States, and to make better bulbs when planted in the South 
than seed grown in California even or other sections of the countr}'. 

Thevariety is the old and well-known 3'ellow sort, grown so much 
more extensively than any other and seen everywhere in our markets. 
It is deeper in shape than the Yellow Danvers or Flat Danvers, but 
otherwise is the same. The bulbs are a flat globe shape, of medium 
size, intermediate in season, medium j^ellow in color, and of a mild 
flavor. The varietj^ is hardy, productive, a good keeper, and a good 
general purpose sort. 

Seed furnished by T. W. Wood & Sons, Richmond, Va. 

MUSKMELON. 
EocKY Ford. 

This varietj' is a strain of the old and well-known Netted Gem, and 
has been recentlj^ developed and grown in immense quantities at Roclij' 
Ford, Colo., whence it has been shipped extensively to all the eastern 
and northern markets. The varietj' has been made extremely popular 
by the Rocky Ford growers, as much on account of the careful ship- 
ping the}' have practiced as for the fine melons thej' have been able to 
produce in their ideal melon-growing country. The development of 
the variet}' is obscure and disputed. It was first introduced by seeds- 
men in 1899. 

The melon is very earl}' and productive, and the fruit is oval shaped, 
shallow ribbed, densely netted, small in size, and mottled green and 
yellow in color. The flesh is green, of the very best quality, and, 
though not as rich as some others, is not surpassed in sweetness by 
any, while it is uniformly good and moi'e univei'sally liked than any 
other. 

Thi.s seed was carefully selected by D. V. Burrill, of Rocliy Ford, Colo., from melons of uniform size 
that were ideal in every particular. 



30 MISCELLANEOUS PAPERS. 

T05IAT0. 

Quarter Cextdey. 

Originated in Monmouth County, N. J., in 1896 by Dr. William Van 
Fleet, and introduced in 1900 in trial packets by W. Atlee Burpee & Co. 
In the following year it was named Quarter Centurj'. It appeared as 
a sport in the third generation from a cross between Lorillard, a 
bright scarlet fruit of the ordinary type of foliage, and Dwarf Cham- 
pion, a purplish-red fruit of dwarf habit. 

The variety is unquestionably, as claimed by the introducer, a valu- 
able one, and larger in vine, more i^roductive, and larger fruited than 
Dwarf Champion, which is the recognized standard dwarf varietv. It 
differs also in being a bright scarlet instead of purplish red. The 
fruits are medium large, very deep or nearly round in shape, perfectly 
smooth, and of high quality. It is most like Dwarf Aristocrat and 
Dwarf Stone, but much larger fruited than the former and not quite 
so deep scarlet in color as the latter. It is claimed to be more dwarf, 
compact, and erect in habit than anj^ other bush varietj'. It can be 
planted as close as 2i feet apart each waj^ 

Seed furnished by T, W. Wood & Sons. Richmond. Va. 

RADISH. 
White Icicle. 

Originated by a German grower several years previous to its intro- 
duction into this countrj' in 1899 b^- J. M. Thorburn & Co. 

This variety is a decided acquisition to our list of radishes. It is a 
long, pure white' sort, especiallj' superior to other kinds in its good 
size and length, combined with earliness and strikingly beautiful color, 
which is of a rich gloss}^ white, entireh' free from purple or j-ellow' 
tints, and veiy much the same clear white at the top as at the bottom. 
The stocks run veiy even in both color and shape, and in the latter 
respect are very beautiful and different from other long sorts, in retain- 
ing their fullness to the bottom. The roots are of the veiy highest 
quality and rich, tender, and sweet. The plants remain fit for use 
fairly long before shooting to seed. 

Seed furnished by T. W. Wood .fc Sous, Richmond. Va. 

A. J. PiETEES, Botanist in Charge. 
Approved: 

B. T. Galloway, Chief of Bureau. 



[Circular sent In recipients of seeds of novelties and specialties included in Section 3 of the scheme of 

distribution.] 

SECTION 3. 

The varieties included in this special distribution are either new or 
are not as well known as they should be. The seeds are sent out this 
3^ear, accompanied bj- full descriptions of the varieties, in the hope 



SEED AND PLANT DISTRIBUTION. 31 

that those who receive them will i-eport the results of their trial to the 
Department. In making the report, please use the blanks accompany- 
ing this circular and return them in the inclosed franked envelope, 
which requires no postage. 

MUSTARD. 
Ostrich Plume. 

Originated in Augusta, Ga., and introduced in 1S9T liy the N. L. 
Willet Drug Company of the same city. 

It is claimed bj^ the introducer to be the most beautiful and perfect 
mustard in cultivation, and as pi'etty as an ornamental plant. It is 
described as a large plant, often weighing as much as 5 or 6 pounds, 
and with tender plumes, verj^ long and finely crimped. 

Seed furnished by F. Barteldes & Co., Lnwrenee, Ivans. 

BEANS. 
Wood's E.\ri,iest H.\udiest. 

Introduced by T. W. Wood & Sons in 1893, and said l)j' them to 
resemble the well-known Early Mohawk. 

The claims for this variet}^ made by the introducers are extreme 
earliness and hardiness, great productiveness, and fine quality'. It is 
said to excel in these qualities any variety in cultivation; to be able 
to stand a light frost without injuiy, and to stand early planting bet- 
ter than an J' other variety; also on account of its productiveness to 
be suitable for a main crop or for late planting. The pods are 
extremelj^ tender and make good snaps, and the dry beans are suit- 
able for winter use as shell beans. The pods are described as very 
large, long, and flat, and the seeds as white in color. 

Seed furnished by T. \V. Wood tfe Sons. Richmond, Va. 

LETTUCE. 
All Se.-vsoss. 

A very desirable variety introduced in 1897 by J. C. Vaughan, of 
Chicago, 111., but it seems never to have gained any genei-al recogni- 
tion. Excepting that the seed is black instead of white, it might very 
generally pass as identical with the well-known Deacon, but it differs 
from that variety in a number of pai'ticulars, the most important of 
which are its slightly larger size, later season, and rounder head. 
Where Deacon is liked this variety should be tried, for under some 
conditions it grows better than the Deacon, though generally it is not 
so sure a header. 

All Seasons is a large, thick-headed, rather soft, but strictl}^ cabbage- 
heading variety, light green in color, and medium late in season. 
The quality is very fine, of a soft texture and buttery flavor, and 



32 MISCELLANEOUS PAPEKS. 

though it can hardly be said to be strictly delicate in flavor, it is abso- 
lutelj' free from coarseness or bitterness. 

Seed furnished by Vaughan's Seed Store, Chicago, 111. 

MUSKMELON. 
EocKY Ford. 

This yarietj' is a strain of the old and well-known Netted Gem, and 
has been recently developed and grown in immense quantities at Rocky 
Ford, Colo., whence it has been shipped extensively to all the eastern 
and northern markets. The variety has been made extremely popular 
by the Kockj^ Ford growers as much on account of the careful ship- 
ping they have practiced as for the fine melons they have been able to 
produce in their ideal melon-growing country. The development of 
the variety is obscure and disputed. It was first introduced by seedsmen 
in 1899. 

The melon is very early and productive, and the fruit oval shaped, 
shallow ribbed, densel}^ netted, small in size, and mottled green and 
3'ellow in color. The flesh is green, of the very best quality', and, 
though not as rich as some others, is not surpassed in sweetness by 
any, while it is uniformly good and more universally liked than anj' 
other. 

This seed was carefully selected by D. V. Burrill, of Rocky Ford, Colo., from melons of uniform size 
that were ideal in every particular. 

WATERMELON. 
Eden. 

Originated by Mr. C. H. Mathis, of South Carolina, a large Southern 
melon grower, and introduced in 1900 bj' T. W. Wood & Sons. It is 
said by the introducers to be a cross of the Kolb's Gem and Rattle- 
snake. It very closel}^ resembles the former, but is superior to it in 
its larger size, brighter striping, and more sjmimetrical shape. . It also 
resembles the well-known Dixie and recently introduced Iceberg, but 
differs from them as well as from Kolb's Gem in the color of seeds, 
which are white instead of mottled grayish -black, as in these varieties. 
In what further respects, if any, it differs from Iceberg our trials have 
not yet fully demonstrated, but it is unquestionably shorter in shape 
than Dixie. The fruits are of mammoth size, short oval in shape, and 
brilliantly sti'iped light and dark green. The variety is especially 
valuable as a shipper, but for home use other varieties of better quality 
are recommended. The quality is fair, but compared to the finer- 
grained sorts, such as Peerless and Round Light, it is coarse, stringy, 
and lacks in .sweetness and richness. 

Seed furnished by T. S. Williams, Columbia, S. C. 

A. J. PiETERS, Botanist in Charge. 
Approved: 

B. T. Galloway, Chief of Bureau. 



SEED AND PLANT DISTRIBUTION. 33 

[Circular sent to recipients of seeds of novelties and specialties included in Section 4 of the scheme 

of distribution.] 

SECTION 4. 

The varieties included in this special distribution are either new or 
are not as well known as they should be. The seeds are sent out this 
year, accompanied by full descriptions of the varieties, in the hope 
that those who receive them will report the results of their trial to the 
Department. In making- the report, please use the blanks accompany- 
ing this circular and return them in the inclosed franked envelope, 
which I'equires no postage. 

CORN. 

Cosmopolitan. 

Originated bv E. B. Clark & Co., seed growers of Milford, Conn., 
and introduced in 1901 b}^ W. Atlee Burpee & Co., of Philadelphia. 

This is an extra earlj' variety, of good qualitj- and fair-sized ear. 
It is not quite so early as Cory, First of All, and other first extra early 
varieties, but is of better qnalitv and the ears are larger. The kernels 
are wrinkled, very large, broad, flat, and short. Though not in the 
least flinty, the seed germinates very well, and can be sown earlier 
than the later and more wrinkled varieties. The ears are 10 and 12 
rowed, very well filled, about the same diameter from end to end, and 
verj^ handsome. 

Seed furnished by W. Atlee Burpee & Co., Philadelphia, Pa. 

LETTUCE. 
Iceberg. 

Originated in Italy, and first introduced into this country in 1894 by 
W. Atlee Burpee & Co. Marblehead Mammoth, which was introduced 
the following year, is sometimes thought to be the same. Undoubt- 
edlj' stalks of the two are often interchanged, but the true Marblehead 
Mammoth is more crumpled in leaf and less heading in habit than 
Iceberg. 

The ^'ariety is a very large, late, extremelj^ hard, strictlj^ cabbage- 
heading .sort, light green in color. The leaf is verj' crumpled, slightly 
tinged with red, and veiy curly at the margin. In quality it is very 
tender, crisp, and sweet, but not as delicate in flavor as some of the 
smaller and less coarse-growing sorts. It is not suitable for forcing, 
but does well outdoors and stands the heat well. The well-known 
Hansen and New York varieties are very much like it in all respects 
except color. 

Seed furnished by W. Atlee Burpee & Co., Fhilndclphia, Pa. 

MUSKMELON. 
Defexder. 

This desirable new variety is a result of continued selection of Paul 
Eose with the especial view of developing fine quality, thick meat, and 
27609— No. 25—03 3 



34 MISCELLANEOUS PAPEES. 

thin rind. It was first introduced in 1901 by D. M. Ferrj- & Co., by 
whom it was originated. The fruits resemble Paul Rose more than 
any other, and being considerabl}- larger and more denseU' netted than 
that 23opular variet}', it makes a valuable addition to our list of varieties. 
The fruits are strikingly beautiful in appearance, and especially 
distinguished by regular oval shape, even shallow ribbing, thick netting, 
and rich mottled color. The flesh is of a deep red color, ver}^ sweet, 
rich, and melting, without the coarseness and stringiness of some of 
the large-growing, green-fleshed sorts. Being firm and solid, the 
fruits are well adapted for shipping. They are of medium size, and 
the plants are productive and earh'. 

Seed furnished by D. JI. Ferry <fc Co., Detroit, Mich. 

RADISH. 
White Icicle. 

Originated hj a German grower several years previous to its intro- 
duction into this countrj^ in 1899 b}^ J. M. Thorburn & Co. 

This variety is a decided accjuisition to our list of radishes. It is a 
long, pure white .sort, e.speciallj' superior to other kinds in its good 
size and length, combined with eaidiness and strikingly beautiful color, 
which is of a rich glossy white, entirelj' free from purple or 3'ellow 
tints, and verj' much the same clear white at the top as at the bottom. 
The stocks run very even in both color and shape, and in the latter 
respect are verj' beautiful and different from other long sorts in retain- 
ing their fullness to the bottom. The roots are of the highest Cjuality, 
and rich, tender, and sweet. The plants are rather slow to shoot to 
seed and the roots are fit for use a fairly long time. 

Seed furnished by W. .\tlee Burpee & Co., Philadelphia, Pa. 

ONION. 
E,XTR.\ Early Browx Sp.^xish. 

This variety has been grown and selected for the past few j^ears by 
C. C. Morse & Co., seed growers, Santa Clara, Cal., and is introduced 
for the first time this year. The accompanj-ing description was fur- 
nished by the growers: 

"This onion has been grown for many 3'ears in Australia, where it 
is used for a verj- early market variet}'. It is extremely early, and 
can be had in market at least four weeks before Early Yellow Cracker, 
Yellow Danvers, Australian Bi-own, Early Red Globe, or Extra Early 
Red Flat. It is a half-globe variety, and averages about '2^ inches in 
diameter. Its color is brown, much the same but a little lighter than 
Australian Brown. It is mild and sweet, and, while not a good onion 
for storage, keeps much better than the Bermudas or an}' of the earh' 
white onions. It ripens down evenly, and seldom has an}' scallions or 



SEED AND PLANT DISTRIBUTION. 35 

stiff necks. With us in Califoi'iiia it was ready for market August 1 — 
at least one month Ijefore the earl}' varieties mentioned above — and now, 
October 13, it is still in xcvy good condition for marlvct."" 

Seed furnishetl by C. C. Morse it Co., Santa Clara. Cal. 

A. J. PiETEKS, lidtanht in Clutrc/e. 
Approved: 

B. T. Galloway, Chief af Bureau. 



[Circular .sent to recipients of seeds of novelties and specialties inclnded in Section 4a of the sclieme 

of distribution.] 

SECTION 4a. 

The varieties included in this special distribution are either new or 
ai'e not as well known as the}^ should be. The seeds are sent out this 
year, accompanied hj full descriptions of the varieties, in the hope 
that those who receive them will report the results of their trial to the 
Department. In making- the report please use the blanks accompany- 
ing this circular and return them in the inclosed franked envelope, 
which requires no postage. 

CORN. 

Metropolitan. 

Introduced in 1S9S by Peter Henderson & Co. as a variet}' combin- 
ing earliness and good quality to a greater degree than anj- other. It 
is claimed to be not only sweet, but to possess also the richness of the 
later sorts. It is specially recommended to market gardeners as a 
shipper, and especially to those gardeners who suppl}' the more critical 
trade. The plant is hard}^, dwarf in habit, and extra early in season. 
The ears are medium sized, 10 to 13 rowed, well filled, and very hand- 
some, with the broad, thick, shallow kernels of the extra early sorts. 

LETTUCE. 

Crisp as Ice. 

Introduced by the Livingston Seed Company in 1895. Plant is inter- 
mediate in season, of medium size, dark-green color, very completely, 
sometimes almost whollj', washed with dark brown, but the inside leaves 
are well blanched to a light, bright green. The plant makes a firm 
and well-defined, somewhat ovate-shaped, cabbage head. The leaves, 
although very thick, are easily broken, and this, together with its 
unusually dark, somewhat dull brown color, make it both unfit for and 
unattractive as a general market garden sort. But for home use or 
where qualit}' is important this variet}^ is one of the very best. It is 
extremely tender and crisp and of an unusually delicate and sweet 
flavor, at the same time also slightlj^ buttery. 

Seed furnished by C. C. Morse & Co., Santa Clara, Cal. 



36 MISCELLANEOUS PAPERS. 

MUSKMELON. 
Defexdee. 

This desirable new variety is a result of continued selection of Paul 
Rose with the especial view of developing fine quality, thick meat, and 
thin rind. It was first introduced in 1901 bj* D. M. Ferry & Co., by 
whom it was originated. The fruits resemble Paul Rose more than 
any other, and, being considei'ably larger and more densely netted than 
that popular varietj', it makes a valuable addition to our list of 
varieties. 

The fruits are strikingh* beautiful in appearance, and especially dis- 
tinguished by regular oval shape, even shallow ribbing, thick netting, 
and rich, mottled color. The flesh is of a deep red color, verj^ sweet, 
I'ich, and melting, without the coarseness and stringiness of some of 
the large-growing, green-fleshed sorts. Being firm and solid, the fruits 
are well adapted for shipping. They are of medium size, and the 
plants are productive and early. 

Seed furnished by D. JI. Ferry & Co.. Detroit, Jlich. 

BEET. 
Ckimsox Globe. 

An entirelv distinct varietv introduced in 1900 bj' Peter Henderson 
&Co. 

Different from other kinds principal!}' in its deep dark crimson 
color, and valuable on this account as well as for earliness, beautiful 
globe shape, and perfectly smooth roots, which are entirely free from 
root hairs, rootlets, and markings. The taproot is also very fine and 
slender and the top verj' smooth, with small crown. The roots are, 
however, very small, but the leaves being also small and verj' erect in 
habit the plants can be grown yevy close together and lai'ge crops 
obtained. The leaves are dark green in color. The flesh is a deep 
crimson and beautifully zoned with dark crimson and a lighter shade; 
the quality- is very sweet and tender, never coarse nor woody. The 
season is about the same as Detroit Dark Red. 

Seed furnished by J. M. Thorburn & Co., New York. 

ONION. 

EXTK.\ PEARLY BkOIVX SpANISH. 

This variety has been grown and selected for the past few j-ears by 
C. C. Morse & Co., .seed growers, Santa Clara, Cal., and is introduced 
for the first time this year. The accompanying description was fur- 
nished by the growers: 

"This onion has been grown for many years in Australia, where it 
is used for a verv early market varietv. It is extremely early, and 



SEED AND PLANT DISTEIBXJTION. 37 

can be had in naarket at least four weeks before Early Yellow Cracker, 
Yellow Danvers, Australian Brown, Earlj' Red Globe, or Extra Early 
Red Flat. It is a half -globe variety, and averages about 2^ inches in 
diameter. Its color is brown, much the same but a little lighter than 
Australian Brown. It is mild and sweet, and while not a good onion 
for storage, keeps much better than the Bermudas or any of the early 
white onions. It ripens down evenly', and seldom has any scallions or 
stiff necks. With us in California it was ready for market August 1, 
at least one month before the earl}' varieties mentioned above, and 
now, October 13, it is still in verj' good condition for market.'' 

Seed fiiriiislied by C. C. Morse & Co., Santa Clara, Cal. 

A. J. PiETERS, Botanist in Charge. 
Approved: 

B. T. Galloway, Chief of Bureau. 



[Circular sent to recipients of seeds of novelties and specialties included in Section 5 of the scheme 

of distribution.] 

SECTION 5. 

The varieties included in this special distribution are either new or 
are not as well known as they should be. The seeds are sent out this 
3'ear, accompanied by full descriptions of the varieties, in the hope 
that those who receive them will report the results of their trial to the 
Department. In making the report, please use the blanks accompany- 
ing this circular and return them in the inclosed franked envelope, 
which requires no postage. 

MUSKMELON. 

Rocky Fokd. 

This variety is a strain of the old and well-known Netted Gem, and 
has been recently developed and grown in immense c]uantities at Rockj^ 
Ford, Colo., whence it has been shipped extensivelj' to all the eastern 
and northern markets. The variety has been made extremely popular 
by the Rocky Ford growers as much on account of the careful shipping- 
they have practiced as for the fine melons they have been able to produce 
in their ideal melon-growing countiy. The development of the variety 
is obscure and disputed. It was first introduced by seedsmen in 1899. 

The melon is very early and productive, and the fruits are oval 
shaped, shallow ribbed, densely netted, small in size, and mottled 
green and j^ellow in color. The flesh is green, of the very best cjuality, 
and, though not as rich as .some others, is not surpassed in sweetness 
by any, while it is uniformh' good and more universally liked than 
any other. 

This seed was carefully selected by D. V. Burrill, of Rocky Ford, Colo., from melons of unifonn 
size that were ideal in every particular. 



38 MISCELLANEOUS PAPERS. 

BEAX. 

Thokbuen's Prolific Market. 

' A foreign type of bean obtained bj' J. M. Thorburn & Co. from 
Vienna, Austria, and fii-st introduced b}' them in lS9-i. 

It is claimed b}' the introducers to be an enormously productive 
variety, bearing- its jjods in thick clusters of 35 to 40 pods to a i^lant, 
and exceeding!}' vigorous, healthy, and remarkably rust proof. The 
pods are light green in color, very long and perfectly round in shape, 
solid fleshed, and of a A'ery soft and marrowy texture. The vines are 
very large and erect in habit; the leaves, very dark; seeds, black; sea- 
son, late. It is claimed b}- the originators that for productiveness, 
solidity of flesh, and roundness of pod it excels any variety now in 
cultivation. 

Seed furnished by J. M. Thorburn cfe Co., New York. 

TOMATO. 
Success. 

Originated in 1897 by M. jNI. Miesse, a market gardener and tomato 
specialist of Lancaster, Ohio. Introduced in 1900 by Wm. Henrj' 
Maule under the name of "Maule's 1900," and in the following year 
called "Success." 

This is an excellent, verj- large, smooth, deep scarlet variety, similar 
to man}' other recently introduced varieties, such as Noble, Century, 
and Marvel, but said to be superior to them in productiveness, smooth- 
ness of fruit, and to be more free from any hard or green core. The 
variety does undoubtedly combine these qualities to a very large 
degree, and, as claimed, is of excellent quality and a splendid sort for 
either the canner, trucker, or private gardener. The foliage is of the 
common large-leaved kind, and the vines are strong and vigorous. 
The season is second early. The fruits are a deep flat globe shape, or 
as nearly globular in form as it is possible to obtain a large tomato. 

Seed furnished by M. M. Miesse & Son, Lancaster, Ohio. 

RADISH. 

Glass. 

A variety introduced by F. Barteldes & Co. and Northrup, King & 
Co., as claimed, about ten years ago, the former obtaining his seed 
from a Denver (Colo.) market gardener and the latter from Cincinnati 
market gardeners. The variety is considered by many to be identical 
with the Cincinnati Market and Long Scarlet Short Top varieties, but 
a few claim that it is not quite so long and that it possesses to a degree 
greater than Long Scarlet Short Top the peculiar transparency which 
gives rise to its name. 



SEED AND PLANT DISTKIBUTION. 39 

The I'oots are very long and tapering, exceedinglj^ smooth, free 
from root hairs, of a brilliant scarlet color, making it altogether the 
most handsome and showy of the long red varieties. The A'arietj^ is 
medium early in season and remains lit for use f airlj' long before shoot- 
ing to seed. The flesh is mild and tender. As the tops are very small, 
the roots can be planted close together. 

Seed furnished by Northrup, Kin^ »fc Co., Minneapolis. Minn 

SQUASH. 

GOLDEX BrON'ZE. 

This variety is the result of an accidental cross between the Baj^ 
State and Boston Marrow found by Mr. Aaron Low, of Hingham, 
Mass., in 1896. After being improved by Mr. Low this variety was 
sold to James J. H. Gregory & Son, who introduced it in 1899 as "No. 
7," and in the following j'ear named it " Golden Bronze." The variety 
is of the same general pointed oval shape as the Boston Marrow, viz, 
very sloping at stem end and almost blunt at blossom end. The sur- 
face is also wrinkled as in Boston Marrow, but in jolor is a dark graj^- 
ish green, turning to a greenish bronze on the upper surface when 
fully ripe. The flesh is a bright golden yellow, fine grained, and of 
excellent quality. The variety is early, productive, hardy, and a good 
keeper. 

Seed furnished by T. W. Wood & Sons, Richmond, Va. 

A. J. PiETEES, Botanist in Charge. 
Approved: 

B. T. Galloway, Chief of Bureau. 



[Circular sent to recipients of seeds of novelties and special ties included in Section 5a of the scheme 

of distribution.] 

SECTION 5 a. 

The varieties included in this special di.stribution are either new or 
are not as well known as they should be. The seeds are sent out this 
year, accomjjanied \>y full descriptions of the varieties, in the hope 
that those who receive them will I'eport the results of their trial to the 
Departnient. In making the report please use the blanks accompany- 
ing this circular and return them in the inclosed franked envelope, 
which requires no postage. 

BEAN. 
Thorbirx's Prolific Market. 

A foreign tj'pe of bean obtained l^y J. M. Thorburn & Co. from 
Vienna, Austria and first introduced bj' them in 1894. 

It is claimed by the introducers to be an enormouslj^ productive 
variety, bearing its pods in thick clusters of 35 to 40 pods to a plant, 



40 ' MISCELLANEOUS PAPERS. 

and to be also exceedingly vigorous, heal th}-, and remarkably rust 
proof. The pods are light green in color, very longj and perfectly 
round, solid fleshed, and of a very soft and marrowj^ texture. The 
vines are very large and erect in habit, the leaves very dark, the 
seeds black, and season late. It is claimed by the originators that 
for productiveness, solidit\' of flesh, and roundness of pod it excels 
any variety now in cultivation. 

Seed furnished by J. 11. Thorbum & Co., New York. 

TOMATO. 

Success. 

Originated in 1897 by M. M. Miesse, a market gardener and tomato 
specialist of Lancaster, Ohio. Introduced in 1900 by William Henry 
Maule under the name of "Maule's 1900" and in the following year 
called " Success." 

This is an excellent, very large, smooth, deep scarlet variety, similar 
to many other recently introduced varieties, such as Noble, Century, 
and Marvel, but said to be superior to them in productiveness and 
smoothness of fruit and to be more free from any hard or green core. 
The varietj^ does undoubtedly combine these qualities to a xevy large 
degree and, as claimed, is of excellent quality and a splendid sort for 
either the canner, trucker, or private gajdener. The foliage is of the 
common large-leaved kind, and the vines are strong and vigorous. 
The season is second early. The fruits are a deep flat globe shape, 
or as nearly globular in form as it is possible to obtain a large tomato. 

Seed furnished by M. M. Miesse & Son, Lancaster, Ohio. 

MUSKMELON. 
Rocky Ford. 

This variety is a strain of the old and well-known Netted Gem, and 
has recently been developed and grown in immense quantities at 
Rocky Ford, Colo., whence it has been shipped extensively to all the 
eastern and northern markets. The variety has been made extrernely 
popular b}' the Eockj- Ford growers as much on account of the care- 
ful shipping they have practiced as for the fine melons they have been 
able to produce in their ideal melon-growing country. The develop- 
ment of the variety is obscure and disputed. It was first introduced 
by seedsmen in 1899. 

The melon is very earlj" and productive and the fruits oval shaped, 
shallow ribbed, denseh' netted, small in size, and mottled green and 
yellow in color. The flesh is green, of the very best quality, and, 
though not as rich as some others, is not surpassed in sweetness by any, 
while it is uniformly good and more universallj' liked than any other. 

This seed was carefully selected by D. V. Burrill, of Rocky Ford, Colo., from melons of uniform 
size that were ideal in every particular. 



SEED AND PLANT DISTRIBUTION. 41 

RADISH. 

Glass. 

A variety introduced b_y F. Barteldes & Co. and Northrup, King & 
Co., as claimed, about ten years ago, the former obtaining his seed 
from a Denver (Colo.) market gardener and the latter from Cincinnati 
market gardeners. The variety is considered by manj' to be identical 
with the Cincinnati Market and Long Scarlet Short Top varieties, but 
a few claim that it is not quite so long and that it possesses to a greater 
degree than the Long Scarlet Short Top the peculiar transparency 
which gives rise to its name. 

The roots are very long and tapering, exceedingly smooth, free from 
root hairs, of a brilliant scarlet color, making it altogether the most 
handsome and showy of the long red varieties. The variety is medium 
esLvly in season and remains fit for use fairly long before shooting to 
seed. The flesh is mild and tender. As the tops are verj'' small, the 
roots can be planted close together. 

Seed lurnished by Xorthrup, King & Co., Minneapolis, Minn. 

SQUASH. 

Golden Hubbard. 

A sport of the well-known Hubbard, introduced in 1896 by Storrs 
& Harrison Co. An exceedingly valuable introduction and entirely 
distinct. It is considered by man}' to be the best fall and winter 
variety jet introduced and has now become a standard sort. The 
variet}' is similar to the Hubbard, except in color, which is a deep 
orange yellow, with a slight greenish tinge at the extreme blossom end, 
and although somewhat smaller in size it is more productive than its 
parent. The variety is of large size, pointed oval in shape, extremely 
warty, and a good keeper. The flesh is fine grained, very dry, rich, 
sweet, and in color a deep orange extending clear to the rind, without 
the objectionable greenish tinge found in the Hubbard. 

Seed furnished by W. Atlee Burpee & Co., Philadelphia, Pa. 

A. .T. PiETERS, Botanist in Charge. 
Approved: 

B. T. Gallowat, Chief of B areau. 



[Circular sent to recipients of .seeds of novelties and specialtie.s included in Section 6 of the scheme 

of distribution.] 

SECTION 6. 

The varieties included in this special distribution are either new or 
are not as well known as they should be. The seeds are sent out this 
year, accompanied by full descriptions of the varieties, in the hope 
that those who receive them will report the results of their trial to the 



42 MISCELLANEOTJS PAPERS. 

Department. In making the repoi-t, please use the blanks accompany- 
ing this circular and return tliem in the inclosed franked envelope, 
which requires no postage. 

PEA. 
Thomas Laxton. 

Originated bj' Messrs. Thomas Laxton & Co., of Bedfordshire, Eng- 
land, and first catalogued by American seedsmen in 1901. Said to be 
a cross between a seedling of Gradus and a seedling from the extra 
early varieties. 

This is another of the new and very desirable varieties of the large- 
seeded, large-podded, extra early class of peas which have followed 
upon the introduction of the Gradus in 1897. It is very much like 
that vai'iet}^, but is said to be slightly earlier and hardier. The pods, 
however, are shorter and not so large and handsome, while in color 
they are darker, and in shape square instead of pointed at the end. 
The quality is very good, but not equal to Gradus, and partakes more 
of the flavor of the ordinar}' extra early varieties. Its great value 
lies in its large showy pods, combined with extreme earliness and 
fair hardiness of plant. 

Seed furnished by Northrup, King A Co., Minneapolis, Minn. 

BEET. 
KuBY Dulcet. 

A very popular beet in England. First introduced in this country 
in 1899 bj^ Johnson & Stokes. 

An especiallj' valuable introduction, and very distinct from other 
globe-shaped beets in its greater depth. The color is a deep red, the 
shape a deep globe, verj' full at the top and holding its size well to 
the bottom, while the surface is ver}^ smooth and entirel}^ free from 
root hairs, rootlets, or markings. The leaves are medium dark red 
in color and being very small and erect in habit, the variety is there- 
fore suitable for close planting. The season is early, or about the 
same as Detroit Dark Red. The flesh is very dark and zoned with 
deep red and a lighter shade; the quality is fine grained, sweet, and 
tender. 

Seed furnished by Johnson <& Stokes, Phihidulpliia, Pa. 

TOMATO. 
TuoHiii'Kx'.s Eakliest. 

Originated In' J. M. Thorburn & Co., and introduced by them in 
1902. This varietv was obtained bv selection of a number of English 



SEED AND PLANT DISTRIBUTION. 43 

greenhouse sorts o-rowii for several seasons out of doors in the vicinity 
of New York. 

It is claimed by the introducers to be the earliest tomato grown and 
to be live days earlier than the Atlantic Prize, which is the most gen- 
erally grown extra earl}' sort. This \'ariet3' is undoubtedlj' a splendid 
introduction and extremel}' early, but of small size. Compared to 
Atlantic Prize, it is considerabl}' smaller in size but much superior to it 
in being smoother, less corrugated and scarred, and more of a globe 
shape. It" is similar to Conference and to Bright and Early, but consid- 
erabh' earlier than either, and much larger than the latter. The plants 
have the fine leaf and habit of growth of the extra early varieties. 
The fruits are bright scarlet, flat globe shape, and perfectly smooth. 
Speciallj' recommended for forcing, but a splendid outdoor sort also. 

Seed furnished by J. M. Thorburn & Co., New York. 

LETTUCE. 
H.\LF Century. 

A very old variety of foreign origin, seldom catalogued b}' American 
seedsmen. John Lewis Childs, of Floral Park, N. Y., it seems, was 
the first American seedsman to catalogue it, or at least the first to 
claim for it any special superiority. 

The plant is very dark green in color, of a peculiarly loose, flabby, 
half-heading habit. It is difiicult to make it head well under any con- 
ditions, and on account of its behavior in this respect, as well as its 
weak growth and decidedly inferior appearance, it will never be a gen- 
eral favorite. Its value lies solely in its extra fine quality, for it is 
exceedingly brittle and tender and of unsurpassed sweetness. The 
qualit}' is of that delicacj^ which is free from the buttery quality of 
some kinds, and the hard crispness, the coarseness, and the strong, 
slightlj^ bitter qualitj^ of some other kinds. The leaves, which are 
exceedinglj' brittle but thick, are easily broken. The variety will not 
stand the least transportation, and is suitable for the home garden only. 

Seed furnished by Vaughan's Seed Store, Chicago, 111. 

MUSKMELON. 

EOCKY FOED. 

This variety is a strain of the old and well-known Netted Gem, and 
has been recentlj^ developed and grown in immense quantities at Rocky 
Ford, Colo., whence it has been shipped extensively to all the eastern 
and northern markets. The variety has been made extremely popular 
by the Rocky Ford growers as much on account of the careful ship- 
ping they have practiced as for the fine melons they have been able to 



44 MISCELLANEOUS PAPERS. 

produce in their ideal melon-growing country. The development of 
the variety is obscure and disputed. It was first introduced by seeds- 
men in 1899. 

The melon is very early and productive, and the fruits small and 
oval shaped, shallow ribbed, densely netted, mottled green and yellow. 
The flesh is green, of the very best quality, and, though not as rich as 
some others, is not surpassed by an}', while it is uniformly good and 
more universallj^ liked than any other. 

This seed was carefully selected by D. V. Bunill, of Rocky Ford, Colo., from melons of nniform 
size that were ideal in every particular. 

A. J. PiETERS, Botanist in Charge. 
Approved: 

B. T. Galloway, Chief of Bureau 



[Circular sent to recipients of seeds of novelties and specialties included in Section 6a of the scheme 

of distribution.] 

SECTION 6 a. 

The varieties included in this special distribution are either new or 
are not as well known as they should be. The seeds are sent out this 
year, accompanied by full descriptions of the varieties, in the hope 
that those who receive them will report the results of their trial to 
the Department. In making the report please use the blanks accom- 
panying this circular and return them in the inclosed franked envelope, 
which requires no postage. 

PEA. 

Pholific E.\rly Market. 

Originated by N. B. Keeney & Sons, and first introduced by A. W. 
Livingston & Sons and William Henry Maule in 1901. The 
variety is descended from a plant found by Mr. Keeney in Extra 
Earl}' about twelve j'cars ago. 

This valuable acquisition to the extra earlj^ varieties resembles 
Alaska, and like it and other extra-early, smooth-seeded sorts is of 
poor quality but hard}', which latter characteristic enables it to be 
planted much earlier and ripened pods obtained far in advance of the 
less hardy but better quality peas. The pods are very much larger 
and contain more pea^i, and the plant is considerably more productive 
than other extra-early varieties, is a great improvement over them 
in man}' respects and only three or four days later. The vine is tall 
and slender like Extra Early, but considerably larger. The pods are 
of medium size, light green in color, round, straight, and attractive. 

Seed furnished by A. \V. Livingston & Sons, Columbus. Ohio. 



SEED AND PLANT DISTRIBUTION. 45 

■ BEET. 

EuBY Dulcet. 

A very popular beet in England. First introduced in this country 
in 1899 by Johnson & Stokes. 

An especiall}' valuable introduction, and very distinct from other 
globe-shaped beets in its greater depth. The color is a deep red, the 
shape a deep globe, very full at the top and holding its size well to the 
bottom, while the surface is very smooth and entirely free from root 
hairs, rootlets, or markings. The leaves are medium dark red in 
color, and being very small and erect in habit, the variety is therefore 
suitable for close planting. The season is early, or about the same as 
Detroit Dark Red. The flesh is very dark and zoned with deep red 
and a lighter shade; the quality is fine grained, sweet, and tender. 

Seed turnished by Johnson & Stokes, Philadelphia, Pa. 

TOMATO. 
Thoebuen's Eaeliest. 

Originated by J. M. Thorburn & Co., and introduced by them in 
1902. This variety was obtained b}' selection of a number of English 
g-reenhouse sorts grown for several seasons out of doors in the vicinity 
of New York. 

It is claimed by the introducers to be the earliest tomato grown and 
to be five days earlier than the Atlantic Prize, which is the most gen- 
erally grown extra-early sort. This varietj^ is undoubtedly a splendid 
introduction and extremely eai'ly, but of small size. Compared to 
Atlantic Prize it is considerablj^ smaller in size, but much superior to 
it in being smoother, less corrugated and scarred, and more of a globe 
shape. It is similar to Conference and to Bright and Earlj', but con- 
siderably earlier than either, and much larger than the latter. The 
plants have the fine leaf and habit of growth of the extra-early varie- 
ties. The fruits are bright scarlet, flat globe shape, and perfectly 
smooth. Specialh' recommended for forcing, but a splendid outdoor 
sort also. 

Seed furnished by J. M. Thorburn & Co., New York. 

LETTUCE. 
Half Century.- 

A very old variety of foreign origin, seldom catalogued by Ameri- 
can seedsmen. John Lewis Childs, of Floral Park, N. Y., it seems, 
was the first American seedsman to catalogue it, or at least the first to 
claim for it any special superioritj'. 



46 MISCELLANEOUS PAPEKS. 

The plant is very dark green in color, of a peculiarly loose, flabby, 
half -heading habit. It is diflicult to make it head well under any con- 
ditions, and on account of its behavior in this respect, as well as its 
weak growth and decidedly inferior appearance, it will never be a 
general favorite. Its value lies solely in its extra fine quality; for it 
is exceedingly brittle and tender, and of unsurpassed sweetness. The 
quality is of that delicacy which is free from the l:)uttery quality of 
some kinds, and the hard crispness, the coarseness, and the strong, 
slightly bitter quality of some other kinds. The leaves, which are 
exceedingly brittle but thick, are easilv broken. The variety will 
not stand the least transportation, and is suitable for the home garden 
only. 

Seed furnished by Vaughan's Seed Store, Chicago, III. 

HrSKMELON. 
Rocky Foed. 

This variet}' is a strain of the old and well-known Netted Gem. and 
has been recentlj' developed and grown in immense ciuantities at Rockj' 
Ford, Colo., whence it has been shipped extensivelj^ to all the eastern 
and northern markets. The variety has been made extremely popular 
bj^ the Hocky Ford growers as much on account of the careful ship- 
ping they have practiced as for the fine melons thej^ have been able to 
produce in their ideal melon-growing countrj*. The development of 
the variety is obscure and disputed. It was first introduced by seeds- 
men in 1899. 

The. melon is verj' early and productive, and the fruits small and 
oval shaped, shallow ribbed, densely- netted, mottled green and yellow. 
The flesh is green, of the very best quality, and, though not as rich as 
some others, is not surpassed by any, while it is uniformly good and 
more universall}' liked than any other. 

This seed was carefully selected by D. ^^ Burril!, of Rocky Ford, Colo., from melons of iniiform 
size that were ideal in every particular. 

A. J. PiETERS, Botanist in Charge. 

Approved: 

B. T. Galloway, Chief cf Bureau. 



SEED AND PLANT DISTRIBUTION. 



47 



[Circular sent lo recipients of bulbs.] 

DIKECTIONS FOR PLANTING BULBS. 

The bulbs sent herewith are of three kinds, viz, (1) h^'aciuth, (2) 
tulip, and (3) narcissus. 

To obtain the best results, plant the bulbs as soon as received, in 
soil well loosened to a depth of at least 10 inches, setting- them as 
follows: The hyacinth Ijulbs 7 inches apart and 4 inches deep, the 
tulip bulbs .5 inches apart and 4 inches deep, and the narcissus bulbs 
about 10 inches ajiart and .5 inches deep. If the hyacinths or tulips 
are to be grown in pots oi- window boxes, use rich, well-drained soil; 
place the pots or l)Oxes in a dark room or cellar for a month or moi'e 
after planting, or until the roots are formed, and then bring them 




Fig. 5. — Hyacinth, tulip, and narcissus bulbs. 



into the light. Keep the soil in these pots or boxes well watered, but 
avoid overwetting, otherwise the bulbs may rot. 



[Circular sent to recipients of cotton seed.] 

DISTRIBUTION OF COTTON SEED IN 1903. 

PliAN OF DISTRIBUTING THE VARIETIES. 

The Bureau of Plant Industry has in progress investigations in the 
improvement of cotton, and as a foundation for such work it is neces- 
sary to determine the varieties best suited to each section of the cotton 
belt. The distribution of cotton seed is thus arranged with the view 
of furnishing growers with seed of new varieties to test in comparison 



48 MISCELLANEOUS PAPERS. 

■with the varieties they already grow. This will enable them to make 
comparisons and select varieties best suited to their climatic and soil 
conditions. Information regarding the success of varieties in different 
sections is as yet too meager to enable a judgment to be formed as to 
which will succeed best in a certain locality. In the distribution of 
cotton seed it is projDosed to select, so far as possible, new and little- 
known varieties which have proved valuable in certain localities, and 
distribute the seed in such a way as to insure their being generally 
tested throughout the cotton States. It is intended at the end of the 
season to follow up each package with a circular in order to obtain 
information in regard to the success in various sections of the vax'ieties 
distributed. Growers receiving- the seed ai'e urged to cooperate with 
the Department of Agriculture by making a careful test of the seed 
which is sent with this circular. In another part of the circular will 
be found descriptions of the varieties distributed and a statement of 
the points on which information is desired. 

In the distribution the "present season several sjjecial features have 
been introduced. The studies of the cotton industry which the Depart- 
ment has been prosecuting strongly indicate that the growing of long- 
staple cottons is destined to become much more general in the near 
future and should be encouraged. Seeds of Griffin and Allen Impi-oved, 
two of the best long-staple Upland cottons, have thus been procured 
for distribution. A second special feature of the distribution the 
present season is the Rivers Sea Island cotton, a variety resistant to 
the serious malady known as wilt or black-root. This cotton has been 
produced as a result of breeding experiments conducted in conjunction 
with the Department of Agriculture. A special circular is sent out 
with the seed of this variet}', and it is therefore not described herein. 
This seed will be distributed in the Sea Island sections of Georgia and 
Florida. Seabrook Sea Island cotton will also be sent to the same 
x'egion. 

The varieties of ordinary short-staple Upland cotton selected for 
distribution this yenv are Parker. Jones Imf)roved, Excelsior, and 
King. The last-named variety has been procured particularly for 
distribution in the boll-weevil districts of Texas, because it is probably 
the earliest of all known varieties, and early ripening sorts have been 
found to escape damage by boll weevil to a large extent. 

The varieties are to be distributed to the different Congressional 
districts as follows: 

Alabama : 

First, Third, Fiftli, and Eighth districts: Jones and Allen. 

Second, Sixth, Seventh, and Ninth districts: Excelsior and Gritfin. 

Fourth district: Parker and Excelsior. 
Arkansas: 

First, Second, Third, and Sixth districts: Parker and Allen. 

Fourth and Fifth districts: Jones and Gritfin. . " 

Florida, First and Second districts: Seabrook and Rivers. 



Bui. 25, Bureau cf Plant Industry, U. S. Dcpt of Agriculture. 



Plate I. 



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n 


z 


X 


m 
o 


O 




n 


O 


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o 


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H 
O 





2 


3 


CD 




O 




r 




r 


r^ 


T 


Ud 


1 




> 






SEED AND PLANT DISTRIBUTION. 49 

Georgia: 

First, Second, and Eleventh districts: Seabrook and Eivers. 

Fourth, Sixth, Se\-enth, and Ninth districts: Excelsior and Allen. 

Third and Fifth districts: Parker and Jones. 

Eighth and Tenth districts: Parker and Griflin. 
LouisiAX.v: 

Third and Fourth districts: Excelsior and Allen. 

Fifth and Sixtli districts: Parker and Griffin. 
Mississippi : 

Second and Sixth districts: Jones and Griflfiu. 

First, Third, Fifth, and Seventh districts: Parker and Allen. 

Fourth district: Excelsior and Griffin. 
North Carolina: 

First, Third, Fourth, and Eighth districts: Parker and Excelsior. 

Second, Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh districts: Excelsior and Jones. 
South Cakolixa: 

First district: Parker and Griffin. 

Third, Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth districts: Excelsior and Griflin. 

Second and Seventh districts: Parker and Allen. 
Tennessee: 

Third and Fourth districts: Parker and Excelsior. 

Fifth and Eighth districts: Jones and Griffin. 

Sixth, Seventh, Ninth, and Tenth districts: Parker and Griffin. 
Texas: 

First, Second, and Thirteenth districts: Excelsior and King. 

Third, Fourth, Eighth, and Tenth districts: Parker and King. 

Fifth and Sixth districts: King and Allen. 

Seventh and Ninth districts: King and Griffin. 

Eleventh and Twelfth districts: Jones and King. 
Oklahoma: Excelsior and Allen. 

description of varieties distributed. 

Short-Staple Upland Varieties. 

jones improved. 

This is a big-boll Upland cotton (PI. I), said to have been introduced 
into America from Algiers by Wyche brothers about the jea,r 1857. 
The histoiy of the introduction, as given by Mr. J. F. Jones, who has 
been instrumental in bringing the variety into prominence, is as follows: 

About 1853 two brothers of a family by the name of Wyche emigrated from Ger- 
many, one coming to the United States and the other going to Algiers, on the 
Mediterranean coast, to work for a French colony engaged there in growing cotton. 
About 1857 the Algerian brother sent a small package of cotton seed to his brother 
in the United States. Before the brother in this country had time to fully test the 
merit of the variety he died. The war between the States came on shortly after- 
wards, when neglect and lack of conveniences resulted in almost destroying any trace 
of the variety. In fox hunting over the Wyche plantation I discovered places here 
and there where there was a wonderful growth of this particular variety. By per- 
mission I went into the fields and selected some of the seed, having to assist me a 
Methodist minister by the name of Warren Beggarly, who later sold some of the seed 
of the variety to the Government. Beggarly died shortly afterwards and left the 

27609— No. 2.5—03 i 



50 MISCELLANEOUS, PAPERS. 

work to me, and since 1877 1 have been proprietor of the variety and have had charge 
of its distribution. From the records you will see that I have furnished seed of this 
variety to the Government since about 1884, and to our State agricultural farms since 
about 1877. I have preserved the variety and kept it pure. 

Mr. Jones claims that this was the first big-boll, white-seeded cotton 
grown in this country, and that other big-boll types have been derived 
from it. Culpepper, a big-boll variety distributed last year, is said to 
be a hybrid of the Wyche (Jones Improved) and Dixon varieties. It 
has probably entered into the jjarentage of man}' of our best big-boll 
types. 

The variety is recommended as deep-rooting, drought-resistant, and 
as withstanding adverse conditions with little injury. It is a large, 
robust, vigorous plant, producing heavih' under ordinary conditions. 
It continues to grow late in the season and forms a good top crop when 
the conditions are favorable. 

Plant vigorous and prolific, with wide spreading branches from near the base; 
upper branches usually short. Bolls large, 1| to 2 inches long, ovate, blunt pointed, 
5-locked, opening well. Seeds 6 to 10 to the lock, medium large, weighing from 0.13 
to 0.1-t gram, covered with grayish fuzz, well covered with lint. Lint good for 
Upland, 1 to IJ inches in length, strong. Per cent of lint 31 to 32 under ordinary 
conditions. Season medium late. 

The seed of this variety distributed was grown b}- James F. Jones, 
at Hogansville, Ga. . in the season of 1902. 

PARKEK. 

Parker cotton (PI. I) was originated by John M. Parker, sr., in Boli- 
var County, Miss., about 1868. It was produced bj' careful selection, 
and ever since its production has been grown on the extensive Parker 
plantations in preference to all other varieties. Mr. John M. Parker, jr. , 
the present owner of the plantations, informs the writer that care has 
been exercised for j^ears in selecting the seed and preserving the 
variety in a high state of productivitJ^ 

In a variety test at Columbia, S. C, in the season of 1902, this 
variety gave verj^ excellent results. The plants were from 3^ to 4 
feet high, vigorous, and well fruited. In season it was one of the 
earliest of about fifty ordinaiy sorts. The lint is very good for an 
ordinarj' Upland variety, being strong, hard, silky, and above the 
ordinary- in length, averaging on Mr. Parker's plantation from 1^ to 
lf^5 inches long. Mr. Parker recommends the variety as hardy, vigor- 
ous, prolific, and eas}^ to pick. 

Plant of Peterkin type, having an erect central stem, with numerous lateral limbs. 
Bolls medium size, round or ovate, blunt-pointed, 5-locked, opening well. Seeds 7 
to 9 per lock, medium size, gray, tufted, well covered. Lint long, Ij to lj\ inches, 
white, strong. Per cent of hut, 31 to 33. Season medium early. 

The seed distributed by the Department of Agriculture was grown 
by John M. Parker, jr., on the plantation on which the variety origi- 
nated, at Maxime, Bolivar Counts, ^liss. 



SEED AND PLANl' DISTRIBUTION. 51 

EXCELSIOR. 

Excelsior is a variety of Upland short-staple cotton (PL I) which 
has become popular in certain parts of South Carolina, and was 
awarded a gold medal at the Charleston Exj)osition. The variety was 
produced in 1S96 by taking seed from a sport of unknown parentage 
which exhibited desirable qualities. Since this time the seed has been 
selected with care to insure its coming true to type and to increase its 
production. Mr. Moore informs us that everj^ year selections have 
been made from an experimental breeding patch, culling out inferior 
stalks and selecting seed from nothing but the best. Under this rigor- 
ous selection the plants, it is claimed, have increased in productivity 
and have become uniform in type, showing now little tendenc^y to 
sport or revert to a poorer tj^pe. 

This variety- Mr. Moore recommends as being ^^ery prolific and giv- 
ing large yields. In tests at Columbia, S. C, in the season of 1902, 
the plants averaged about 3^ feet high and were well boiled. 

Some doubt exists as to what name can be correctly applied to this 
cotton. According to Prof. S. M. Tracy, in a statement published in 
Bulletin 33, United States Department of Agriculture, Office of Experi- 
ment Stations, issued in 1896, Mr. C. E. Ezell, of Eatonton, Ga., origi- 
nated by selection from the variety New Era, a sti'ain to which the name 
Excelsior was given. Mr. Moore's Excelsior, according to his state- 
ment, was originated in 1896, the year of Professor Tracy's publica- 
tion. Mr. Ezell's Excelsior would therefore have the priority of 
name. Owing to this confusion of names we would suggest that Mr. 
Moore's Excelsior be referred to as Moore Excelsior^ or simply as the 
Moore cotton. 

Plant of Peterkin type, with one main stem and spreading lower limbs, the other 
lateral limbs being comparatively short. Shows some tendency to develop bolls in 
pairs or clusters. Bolls medium small, ovate or spherical, blunt pointed, 4 to 5 
locked, opening well. Seeds small, weighing 0.09 to 0.10 gram, gray, tufted, 7 to 9 
per lock. Lint, good ordinary short staple about 1 inch in length. Per cent of lint 
32 to 33. Season medium. 

The seed of this variet}' distributed was grown b}^ Mr. C. F. Moore, 
Bennettsville, S. C, in the season of 1902. 

KING. 

King, or King's Improved as it has been called, is a very early 
variety of Upland cotton (PI. I), originated by T. J. King, of Louis- 
burg, N. C. In attempting to improve the cotton grown on his plan- 
tation, Mr. King made tests of very many varieties, but found none 
that exactl}'' met the requirements as he recognized them. "'I there- 
fore determined," he states, "to try to mix the two kinds which, 
between themselves, appeared to possess all the essentials desired, and 



52 MISCELLANEOUS PAPERS. 

get a composite cotton that combined the oood qualities of both varie- 
ties." Such a combination he claims to have secured in his King's 
Improved. The variety has been widely distributed and tested, and 
is probably as generally known as any other cotton variety. It is 
verj' distinct from any other of the well-known varieties. 

King is regarded as one of the best varieties for the northern part 
of the cotton belt, where the season is too short for late varieties. It 
is the A'ariet}' most generalh- planted late in the spring, after oats, as 
so-called stubble cotton, its short season enabling it to mature a good 
crop e^'en in the short time then availaljle. The earliness of the vari- 
ety and its consequent bearing on the boll-weevil question is the prin- 
cipal reason for selecting it for distribution the present season. 
Observation has shown that the damage caused by the boU-weevU 
increases as the season advances. In the early part of the season the 
numbers of the weevils are few, but as the season advances they 
steadily increase, and become so abundant in the latter pai't of the sea- 
son that in badly infested fields hardly a boll is permitted to reach 
maturity. Many of the bolls which are formed before the weevil has 
become abundant mature without injurj', and the writer has observed 
many particularly early plants, which, owing to their earliness, 
escaped damage to a considerable degree and matured a fairly good 
crop. This feature suggests that one of the most important factors 
in the control of the boll-weevil is to utilize earh'-maturing varieties. 
King is probabty the earliest fixed varietA^ known, and as it has given 
excellent results in tests at the Mississippi Experiment Station, it wUl 
probably do well in Texas also. Its use in boll-weevil sections to 
avoid the ravages of this pest is experimental, and the outcome wOl 
be watched with great interest. It is of special importance that grow- 
ers note the yield of this variety in boll-weevil sections in comparison 
with other sorts, and be prepared next fall to furnish the Department 
of Agriculture with a statement of the results obtained. To obtain 
the best results in sections where the boll-weevil is prevalent, the seed 
should be planted as earlj^ as the season will safely permit. 

Plant 2i to 5 feet high, rather spreading in habit, with numerous limbs gradually- 
decreasing in length from below upward. Bolls small, nearly round, with small 
blunt point, 4 to 5 locked, opening well. Seeds medium size, weighing from 0.10 to 
0.11 gram, covered with brownish or greenish fuzz. Lint white, strong, three-fourths 
to 1 inch in length. Per cent of lint usually about 33. Season very early. 

The seed distributed by the De]3artment of Agriculture was grown 
by the originator of the variety, Mr. T. J. King, at Louisburg, N. C, 
in the season of 1902. 

Long-Staple Upland Varikties. 

allex improved. 

Allen Improved (PI. II) is a variety of cotton originated in Claiborne 
County, Miss., in 1899, by James B. Allen. Other and similar vari- 



SEED AND PLANT DISTRIBUTION. 53 

eties were earlier introduced by Mr. Allen under the names Allen 
Yellow Bloom and Allen Hybrid, which have become distributed 
throughout the countr}". Allen Improved was distributed to some 
extent in 1900, but up to the present time has not been generally dis- 
tributed. It is said bj^ Mr. Allen to be a cross between his Yellow 
Bloom and Hj'brid. The variety is recommended because of its pro- 
ductiveness and its long stajjle. The bolls when ripe open up wide, 
like ordinary Upland, letting the cotton hang out and making it easy 
to pick. It is said to pick easier than the Allen Hybrid and to have a 
stronger fiber. Mr. Allen states that it has stood the weather better 
for the past three j-ears than any other variety of long staple he has 
ever planted, not rotting in wet weather like the Yellow Bloom. It 
gives an average jield per acre of about 1,500 pounds of seed cotton 
and from 300 to iOO pounds of lint. The crop of 1900, Mr. Allen 
states, sold for 17 cents per pound net; that of 1901 for 1.5 cents; 
and that of 1902, from which the seed distributed bj;- the Department 
was taken, for from 16^ to IT cents. Mr. Allen's cotton is ginned on 
a saw gin. 

Plant 3 to 6 feet high, compact, branching like Truitt, with two or three long 
basal limbs and one main central stem. Bolls of Upland type, medium size, slightly 
pointed, 4 to 5 locked, opening wide. Seeds medium large size, weighing 0.14 to 
0.15 gram, gray tufted, 7 to 9 per lock. Lint white, fine, and silky, li to 1§ inches 
long, fairly strong. Per cent of lint 27. Time of ripening midseason. 

The seed distributed was grown by James B. Allen, the originator 
of the variet}', at Port Gibson, Miss., in the season of 1902. 

GKIFFIN. 

Griffin is a long-staple, big-boll Upland cotton (PI. II), produced by 
John Griffin at Refuge plantation, near Greenville, Washington County, 
Miss. The first selection was made in the fall of 1867, and the seed 
first planted in the spring of 1868. After about ten years of selection 
some seeds were.distributed among friends in the vicinity of Greenville, 
and a few bushels were sold. The variety', however, has never been 
generallj" distributed. Regarding its origin, Mr. Griffin sa.js: 

The variety resulted from a cross of the old "Green Seed" cotton with Sea Island, 
the cross being made to give a tendency to the Green Seed to produce a longer and 
finer fiber. The hybrid was from 12 to 16 feet high and very unproductive. It was 
recrossed five years in succession with pollen of the constantly improved Green Seed. 
This resulted in reducing the stalk to within a few inches of the length of that of 
Green Seed, in giving it a larger boll, and in making it nearly as prolific. Every 
successive crossing was made on stalks wdiich least resembled the Sea Island form 
and most nearly approximated the Sea Island lint. 

The selection of the cotton has continue<l without intermission from 1867 up to the 
present time (1902). Selection was practiced five years in succession before hybrid- 
ization was employed, and continued constantly while the latter was going on. 
There was at first little difference between the two hybrids produced by crossing Sea 
Island bloom with Green Seed pollen and Green Seed bloom with Sea Island pollen. 



54 MISCELLANEOUS I'APERS. 

The Sea Island was a little more vigorous and had a few more bolls. Near the end 
of the five years through which both were crossed with constantly improved Green 
Seed, the Sea Island far surpassed the Green Seed, which was puny and hard to 
fertihze with the same pollen which had acted well on the other. The lint of the 
original Green Seed averaged about 1 inch in length. It gained about one-eighth of 
an inch in length in five }'ears of selection, making it about 1 1 inches when first 
crossed with Sea Island. The first cross gave it a length of about IJ- inches, the lint, 
furthermore, being much finer than that of the original Green Seed. ■ 

The character of the stalk is still like that of Green Seed, though more compact. 
The boll is larger, 65 weighing a pound. The lint pulled from the seed by the 
fingers averages about 2 inches in length, and is very fine. Ginned on a saw gin, it 
generally averages from If to IJ- inches in length. The Griffin cotton is earlier than 
the Green Seed. 

Griffin cotton is without question one of the \evy best long-staple 
Upland sorts that has ever been produced. It has been grown for two 
successive jears in tests conducted b\' the Department of Agriculture 
at Columbia, S. C, and has given excellent results and attracted con- 
siderable attention. Its length of staple here averaged about 1^ to If 
inches. Unfortunately the lint is not ver}" uniform in length, and is 
inclined to be low in strength. In size of boll, ease of picking, and 
productiveness the variety' is very good. A peculiar feature of Griffin 
cotton is its tendency to produce a few verv long libers. Frequently 
a group of several dozen fibers will reach a length of 2i or 3 inches. 

The average jdeld per acre at Mr. Griffin's plantation, on Mississippi 
bottom land not over 20 years old, is about -iOO pounds of lint cotton. 
On fresh land of this sort it jdelds about 500 pounds of lint cotton per 
acre. The proportion of lint to seed cotton, Mr. Griffin states, is 
about 28 per cent. Professor Tracy, at the Mississippi Experiment 
Station, gave the per cent as 28 to 29. Professor Duggar at the Ala- 
bama Experiment Station obtained 29.2 per cent from the crop grown 
at Auburn, Ala. The crop produced at Columbia, S. C, the past 
season gave about 29 per cent. 

As an indication of the market value of Griffin cotton, Mr. Griffin 
gives results of .sales as follows: When short staple was selling at 5 
cents per pound Griffin sold at 84 cents. Last j-ear (1901) it sold for 
12 cents, against 8 cents for short staple of the same grade. In 1900, 
when short staple cotton was c(uoted at between 8 and 9 cents. Griffin 
sold for 15 cents. A part of the crop of the present yeav (1902), from 
which the seed distributed was taken, sold for 14 cents, the average 
price for short staple of the same grade being 8 cents. 

Mr. Griffin states that his crop is regular!}' ginned on a saw gin. 
In the crop this j^ear the first 7 bales averaged l^ inches in length and 
the last 7 bales If inches. 

Plant \ngorous and prolific, with main central stem and several large spreading 
limbs below; foliage pale green. Bolls medium large, ovate, blunt-pointed, 4 to 5 
locked, opening well. Seeds of medimn size, weighing about 0.12 to 0.13 gram, 
gray tufted, 7 to 10 per lock. Lint white, fine, and silky, rather variable in length, 
ranging from IJ to 2 inches. Per cent of lint about 28 to 29. Season medimn. 



SEED AND PLANT DISTKIBUTION. 55 

The seed distributed \fy tlie Department of Agriculture was grown 
by the originator of the variety, Mr. John Griffin, at Greenville, 

Miss., in the season of 1902. 

Sea Island Varieties. 

seabrook. 

This variety (PL I) was originated ten or twelve yesLrs ago by E. L. 
Rivers, James Island, S. C. Its selection and improvement have been 
carried on since that time bj^ the present owner, Mr. F. P. Seabrook, 
of James Island, who has given the most careful attention to the fixing 
of the desired qualities, the aim being the production of a prolific 
bearer of medium qualitj^, with a large proportion of lint to seed. 
The method of selection emploj^ed by Mr. Seabrook, which is similar 
to that of most of the Sea Island planters, is as follows: Several of the 
best plants in his field are selected and marked. Each of these is 
picked by itself, the seed cotton weighed, and the lint weighed after 
ginning to determine the ginning average. The staple is examined 
critically as to length, fineness, strength, uuiformitj-, and softness. 
Finally the best plant is selected and the others discarded. The seed 
from this single stalk is planted by itself, one seed in a hill, and 
usually produces about 500 plants. The seed from these plants is used 
to sow a field of about 5 acres, from which the genei'al crop is planted 
the fourth year. A new plant is chosen from the select field each 
year, so that the process of improA'ement is continuous. 

Plant of compact habit, prolific, and resistant to disease. Bolls of good size, long 
and pointed, 3-locked, opening -well for Sea Island. Lint 2 inches long. Per cent of 
lint about 28 to 29. 

The seed of this variety distributed was grown bj^ Mr. F. P. Sea- 
brook, James Island, S. C, in the season of 1901. 

RIVERS. 

The Rivers Sea Island cotton, which is immune to the serious malady 
known as wilt or " black-root," was produced as a result of special 
breeding experiments conducted by Mr. E. L. Rivers, of James Island, 
S. C, in conjunction with the Department of Agriculture. It is highly 
recommended for cultivation in the Sea Island districts of Georgia 
and Florida on all soils infected with wilt. A special circular is dis- 
tributed with the Rivers cotton, and this variet}^ is referred to here 
simph" to show the general plan of the entire cotton distribution for 
the season. A careful description of the variety and of the experir 
ments leading to its production ajjpears in Bulletin No. 27, Division 
of Vegetable Physiology and Pathology of the U. S. Department of 
Agriculture, by Mr. W. A. Orton. 



56 MISCELLANEOUS PAPERS. 

METHODS OF CULTIVATION AND GINNING. 

SHORT-STAPLE UPLAXD VARIETIES. 

The methods of cultivation which should be pursued in growing the 
varieties of short-staple Upland cotton distributed are the same as 
those used for anj" ordinary Upland cotton. No exact directions can 
be given with respect to the distance apart of the rows or the distance 
between the plants in the row, as the space i-equired liy each plant is 
determined bj" the richness of the soil in each case. Jones Improved, 
King, Excelsior, and Parker arc all quite similar in size and habit of 
growth. Under ordinary conditions satisfactorj' results would be 
obtained with these varieties by planting the rows 4 feet apart and the 
plants from IS to 2i inches apart in the row. On rich soil this dis- 
tance should be somewhat increased, while on sterile land closer plant- 
ing would be desirable. 

LONG-STAPLE UPLAND VARIETIES. 

Allen Improved and Griffin, while producing a long, fine staple, 
are in size and general api^earanee very similar to ordinary short-staple 
varieties such as Jones Improved and Truitt, and the same cultural 
methods are to be recommended as are used with the ordinary short- 
staple sorts. In picking, preserving, and ginning, however, more 
care is required if the highest market price is to be realized. Greater 
care should be exercised in the picking to avoid getting the fiber mixed 
with fragments of leaves, bolls, etc. Fiber from immature and 
weather-stained bolls should also be discarded. Pickers familiar with 
ordinar}' cotton methods are liable to be too careless in their endeavor 
to gather large quantities and increase their wages thereby. In fine 
grades of long-staple Upland cotton it would probably also be found 
desirable to spread the seed cotton on a platform in the sun for a few 
hours to dry before storing it. 

The difficulty of properly ginning long-staple Upland cottons has 
been considered an impediment to their general cultivation. It is 
generally recognized that long-staple Sea Island sorts require to be 
ginned on a roller gin, as the saw gins tear and break the fiber to such 
an extent as to greatlj^ reduce its value. It is also A'ery generally sup- 
posed that the long-staple Upland cottons require to be ginned on a 
roller gin, and this understanding has prevented many from attempt- 
ing to grow these cottons, as roller gins are ordinarily accessii^le on\j 
to growers in regions where Sea Island cotton is cultivated Experience 
has shown, however, that long-staple Upland cottons may be ginned 
on ordinary saw gins if care is used in the process. Before ginning 
these cottons the gin saws should be sharpened square across the 
teeth and then dulled somewhat by use in ginning ordinary shoi't 



Bui. 25, Bureau of Plant Induslry, U. S. Dept, of Agriculture, 



Plate II. 




Mature Unopened and Opened Cotton Bolls— Griffin and Allen Improved (Natural Size). 



SEED AND PLANT DISTRIBUTION. 57 

staples. It is also important to run the gin at a lower rate of speed 
than in ginning ordinary short-staple cottons. If these precautions 
are observed the long-staple Upland cottons may be verj'- satisfactorily 
ginned on any ordinary saw gin. As previously stated, Mr. Griffin and 
Mr. Allen have regularlj^ had their crops ginned on ordinary saw gins, 
and the product has uniformly sold at from li to 16 cents or more 
per pound. 

It is also important that growers of long-staple Upland cottons give 
special attention to the marketing of the product. The writer last 
season saw several bales of long-staple Upland cotton sold to a buj^er 
at a small interior town in South Carolina for 10 cents which were 
certainly equal to bales of similar cotton which he saw sold in the New 
Orleans market the week following at 1,5 cents, when ordinarj^ cotton 
was selling at 8^ cents. Many of the failures with long-staple Upland 
cotton have been due to the lack of experience on the part of the 
grower in the matter of mai'keting. Manj^ buj-ers take advantage of 
the growers' ignorance and purchase cotton for 10 cents that is worth 
15 cents and realize the difference themselves. Until buyers inform 
themselves on the value of long-staple cotton and pay reasonable 
prices, it will have to be consigned to general long-staj)le markets 
such as New Orleans, Savannah, Charleston, etc., or to some of the 
large New England markets. 

SEA ISLAND VARIETIES. 

The Seabrook selection of Sea Island cotton is adapted to light, 
sandy land of good fertility. It is planted in rows 6 feet apart, with 
a distance of from 18 to 20 inches between the jilants in the row. 
Greater care must be giA'^en to the cultivation of Sea Island than is 
usually given to Upland cotton. The land should be thoroughly pre- 
pared and well fertilized. A suitable rotation with corn, cowpeas, 
peanuts, or other crops should be practiced in order to avoid the 
exhaustion of the soil produced by many successive cotton crops. 
Cultivation should be very frequent. In the Sea Islands the cotton is 
cultivated on an average of once a week until August. Here the cot- 
ton is grown on high beds and the soil is drawn ujj around the plants 
in cultivation. This method is not recommended for Georgia and 
Florida, however, where the more economical method of level culture 
will probably pay the best. 

Particular care is necessary in picking and handling Sea Island cot- 
ton in order to obtain the highest price. Sea Island cotton i-equires 
to be picked often — every week or ten days — in order to avoid stain- 
ing by the weather. All trash, bits of bolls, immature and diseased or 
yellow locks must be picked out by hand. The seed cotton should be 
spread on a platform and exposed to the sun for several hours to dry 
before storing. It must be ginned on a roller gin and be packed 
carefully in bags without high pressure. 



58 MISCELLANEOUS PAPERS. 

HOW TO GROW PURE SEED OF GOOD aUALITY. 

It is a well-known fact that varieties of cotton become mixed and 
impure unless special care is taken to prevent crossing with other vari- 
eties. If growers receiving seed of anj' of the varieties sent with this 
circular desire to groAV the same variety another year, precaution 
should be taken to plant the seed in an isolated patch, situated as far 
as possible from aaj' other varieties. It should be at least a quarter 
of a mile from any other cotton and preferably in a field surrounded 
by a forest, particularly on the side nearest to other cotton fields. 
Before any seed is gathered for planting all plants which are not true 
to the type of the varietj^ should be carefully weeded out. 

If it is desired to keep the variety up to its full productiveness and 
better adapt it to local conditions, the planter may easily accomplish 
this by following a simple and inexpensive method of selection. Before 
beginning the picking, go over the patch carefully and select and 
mark with a white cloth the best plants; that is, those most productive, 
earliest in ripening, and having the largest, best formed, and most 
numerous bolls. Care should also be exercised to select plants that 
are true to the type of the variety. Before each picking send a care- 
ful man over the patch to pick the seed from the selected plants. 
Preserve such seed separately, gin it separateh' to avoid mixing, and 
use this to plant the crop the next year. If this simple method of 
selection is carried out each year, the jaeld will doubtless be greatly 
increased, and as much or more added to the crop than would result 
from special fertilization or cultivation, though these factors should 
b}^ no means be neglected. The imi^ortance of careful seed selection 
is seldom fully recognized, and growers are urged to give this factor 
of cotton culture more careful attention. 

Heebekt J. Webber, 

Physiologist^ in Charge of Lriboratory of Plant Breeding. 
Approved: 

A. F. Woods, 

Pathologist and Physiologist. 



REPORT OF RESULTS DESIRED FOR PUBLICATION". 

In order to determine the comparative values of the difl'erent varie- 
ties of cotton in ^-arious parts of the United States, the growers 
receiving this seed are requested to give it a thorough trial in com- 
parison with the variety or varieties that they generally grow, and be 
prepared in the fall of 1903 to report the results of the test to the 
United States Department of Agriculture. A report will then be 
requested covering the following points: 

(1) Character of the soil. 



SEED AND PLANT DISTBIBUTION. ■ 59 

(2) Character of the season. 

(3) Total yield of seed cotton produced. (Thi« should be determined 
bj^ actually weighing the product.) 

(tl) Total yield of lint produced. (Determined b}' actual weighing'.) 

(5) Size of patch grown. (Determined by actual measurement.) 

(6) Yield per acre, estimated from the patch grown. 

(7) Is the variety to be classed as excellent, good, fair, or poor for 
your section ? 

(8) Name of the variety ordinai'ily grown by the planter making the 
test. 

(9) Yield of ordinary \'ariet3' this yenv on same soil as the variet}^ 
under consideration. 

It is especiallj' requested that groNvers carefully note the points 
enumei'ated above, in order that tbej' niay secure the necessary data 
and be read}" to su23pl_y accurate information when it is called for next 
fall. If sufficiently accurate data are furnished, a report will be com- 
piled and issued giving the results of the various trials in all sections, 
and this report will be sent to all planters cooperating in the experi- 
ment. In this way it is hoped to obtain A^aluable and I'eliable infor- 
mation regarding the varieties best adapted to various sections of the 
cotton belt. 

Grotvers receiving this seed, who cere vdlling to coojierate with the 
Department of Agriculture in mciMng tlie above test, are requested to fill 
in the accomjjanying firanJied postal card, v:hich requires no jyostage, as 
soon as the seed is 'received, and return the same to the Department. 

A. J. PlETERS, 

Botcmist in Charge. 
Approved: 

B. T. Galloway, 

Chief of Bureau. 



[Circular sent with seeil of I^ivers Sua Island cotton'.] 

RIVERS SEA ISLAND COTTON. 

(A rariely resistant to tlir wilt disnise or "Black-root.") 
HISTORY OF THE VARIETY. 

This variet}', the seeds of which are now distributed for the first 
time, was originated in connection with the investigations of the 
United States Department of Agriculture on the cotton wilt, a disease 
which has done great damage in the South. All other methods of 
treatment having failed, an efi'ort was made to produce a resistant 
variety. This was based on the observation that some plants remained 
health}', even in the worst infected places, and it was thought that the 
seed from such stalks might produce other resistant plants. This was 



60 



MISCELLANEOUS PAPERS. 



found to be the case, and several strains have been produced in this 
way bj' saving seed from healthy plants in the worst diseased areas. 
The seed of the best of these resistant strains is distributed with this 
circular, the seed having been grown hj special arrangement expressly 
for the Department of Agriculture. Other selections made by the 
Department or under its direction are also being grown and tested, 
and will be used for future distribution. 

The Rivers cotton was originated in cooperation with the Depart- 
ment of Agriculture by Mr. E. L. Rivers, James Island, S. C, who 
in 1899 saved the seed of a single plant which had survived, the dis- 
ease, while all surrounding plants had been killed. This seed Mr. 
Rivei's planted in a single row in a badly infected area. The result is 
shown in the accompanjang illustration. In the resistant row not a 




Fig. 6.— Row oi Rivers Sea Island cotton in wilt-iniected field, planted Math rows of ordinary Sea 

Island cotton. 



single plant died, while the adjoining rows planted with ordinary seed 
were almost totallj' destroyed. 

Sufficient seed was obtained from this row to plant an acre the next 
year (1901). This land was algo infected with the cotton wilt, but 
only two or three plants became affected, showing the great resistance 
of the new variety. In 1902, 15 acres were planted. This land 
was badh' infected with -wilt and previous crops had been nearly 
destroyed in portions of the field, so that the land had been abandoned 
for cotton. The Rivers cotton proved as resistant here as in the 
previous years. An occasional plant became diseased and was pulled 
up, but the field as a whole was perfectly health}- and produced a large 
crop. 

These three successful trials of this varietj', corroborated liy numer- 
ous experiments carried on l:)y the Department of Agriculture with 



SEED AND PLANT DISTRIBUTION. 61 

both Sea Island and Upland cotton and by the experience of several 
cotton planters, demonstrate that the wilt can be overcome b}' the use 
of resistant varieties, and this seed is distributed this year in Georgia 
and Florida to enable the farmers to test its merits and grow for them- 
selves a stock of seed for future planting. 

DESCRIPTION OF COTTON WIIiT. 

The especial feature of this \ariety is its resistance to the wilt, and 
since some who receive the seed may not be familiar with that disease, 
a lirief description of it is included here. For more detailed infor- 
mation write to the Department of Agriculture at '\'\^ashington for 
Bulletins IT and 27 of the Di\'ision of Vegetable Physiology and 
Pathology.. 

The Wilt Disease is also known as "Blight" and "Black- root." It 
is injurious to Sea Island cotton on the Sea Islands of South Carolina, 
and in southern Georgia and in Florida, and to Upland cotton over 
wide areas in several States. It is worst on sandy soils, where it per- 
sists year after year. Prominent sj'miDtoms are the wilting of the 
plants, Avhich are dwarfed or killed, the brown discoloration of the 
inner wood of stem and root, and a tufting of the small rootlets. 

The wilt is caused by a parasitic fungus in the soil, which enters the 
roots and grows upward through the water- carrying vessels of the 
stems, which it clogs. It is aggravated by continuous crojiping in cot- 
ton, but can not be remedied b_y rest or rotation, since the fungus 
can live in the soil for an indefinite time after it has once obtained a 
foothold. It is not due to the povertj^ of the land nor to the use of 
commercial fertilizers, and can not, so far as known, be cured by add- 
ing aiij' fertilizer or other substance to the soil. 

CONTEOL OF THE WILT. 

The onh' remedy known is the use of resistant varieties. When 
land is badly affected hj wilt and seed of resistant cotton can not be 
had, some other croji than cotton should be planted. 

In all cases, even where the disease does not occur or where a resist- 
ant variety is available, a rotation of crops is to be recommended, such 
as corn with cowj^eas or peanuts; second, velvet beans; third, cotton; 
or, first, corn with cowpeas or peanuts; second, oats followed by cow- 
peas: third, cotton. 

DIEECTIONS FOE. PLANTING. 

Ii\ order to full3' test the resistant qualities of the variety, this seed 
should, if possible, be planted on land where cotton has in previous 
yeai's suffered badlj- from wilt (black-root). Do not plant Upland 
cotton near the Sea Island. Much of the " running out" of the long 
staple cotton in south Georgia is due to accidental Iwbridization with 



62 SUSCELLANEOrS PAPERS. 

neighboriDg fields of short staple cotton. Since only a small quantity 
of seed can be had. unusual care ought to be taken in planting to make 
the seed go as far as possible. The land should be well fertilized and 
cared for in order to produce a large crop of seed. The Rivers cotton 
is resistant to wilt, Imt not necessarily so to rust and other troubles 
due to poor soil. To secure the best results, therefore, plant the seed 
on good soil and us3 from 400 to 600 pounds per acre of commercial 
fertilizer or its equivalent in stable manure or compost. 

In land of ordinary fertility plant in rows 4 feet apart, with the 
plants IS inches apart in the row. In ricli soil make the rows 5 feet 
apart, with 20 to 22 inches between the plants. The Rivers cotton is 
a low, comjiact varietj', and can be planted closer than the average 
Georgia Sea Island cotton. To economize seed in planting, drop by 
hand 3 to 5 seeds in a hill, cover lightly, and thin out to one in a place. 

In order to give an exact report at the end of the season, the field 
where this seed is planted should be measured and the yield deter- 
mined bj' actual weighing when the crop is picked. 

PICKING. 

In picking Sea Island cotton much more care should be taken than 
is necessary with the Upland cotton. Pick often to avoid injury by 
the weather. Sun the cotton on a low arbor after picking to dry it, 
and sort out all trash, yellow, and immature cotton, etc., before gin- 
ning, as all these impurities injure the sale of the lint. The high prices 
obtained for the best grades of Sea Island cotton are due in part to the 
extreme care taken to remove all trash before marketing. 

If your trial of this varietj' results satisfactorily, save all the seed 
carefull}', as it will be difficult to get more from any source. Gin the 
cotton separately and clean the gins to avoid mixture with inferior 
varieties. 

CHARACTERS OF THE RIVERS COTTON. 

Plant resistant to wilt, vigorous, compact, pyramidal, branching near 
the base; limbs small, close-jointed, bearing heavilj'; bolls medium 
size, 3 to 4 lobed; seed small, black, well covered: lint 28 per cent; 
staple 2 inches long, cream-white, fully to extra fine. Time of matur- 
ing, early. 

CONTINTJAL, SELECTION NECESSARY TO MAINTAIN aiTALITY. 

The equalities of resistance, bearing, etc., characteristic of this cotton, 
will be found to be thoroughly fixed in the seed distributed. It can 
not be expected that they will be maintained indefinitely, however, 
unless careful annual selection of seed is practiced. Though the 
variety is highh- resistant to wilt, there will be occasional individuals 
reverting to the original type and becoming attacked by the disease. 
All such should be weeded out and destroved. 



SEED AND PLANT DISTRIBUTION. 63 

The following method of selection is recommended for keeping up 
the quality" of the varietj^: 

1. To (Main seed for the main crop. — Pull up and destroj^ all dis- 
eased or inferior plants and all hybrid or barren stalks, saving seed 
only from good plants in the general field. 

2. To secure an i/nj)roved stoch for future flanthuj. — Select from the 
general field a few plants of the greatest excellence, marking them with 
a cloth. Leave these unpicked till the middle of the season, then com- 
pare them critically with reference to bearing, length, and quality of 
staple, resistance to wilt, etc. , and clioose from this iiumher a single 
plant ichich combines the most desirable qualities. Save all the seed 
carefully and plant sepai'ate from the main crop the next 3'ear, one 
seed in a hill, to secure as great a yield as possible. This cotton 
planted by itself each time will give sufficient seed the third year to 
plant the whole crop. This selection should be carried out every year. 
The propagation from single plants insures a uniformity that can be 
secured in no other wa}'. 

This is the method practiced in the Sea Islands, and if it were done 
in Georgia and Florida there would be less trouble with the " running 
out" of the cotton. 

W. A. Orton, 
Assistant Pathologist. 
Approved: 

A. F. Woods, 

Pathologist and Physiologist. 



REPORT RESULTS. 

Special attention is called to the fact that this is a new variety of great 
value, and that it can iwt l>e bought in the inarhet at any price. For 
this reason farmers receiving this seed should plant it with care and save 
the seed. 

It is desired to know the results of all trials of the Rivers cotton, 
and everj^ farmer who receives seed is requested to return the accom- 
panying card with his name and address, signifying his willingness to 
report at the end of the season. Blanks will then be sent out to be 
filled and returned. The Department wishes to continue the work of 
originating and distributing wilt-resistant varieties adapted to the 
requirements of the various cotton-producing sections, and the active 
cooperation of farmers will be of great assistance. 

A. J. PlETERS, 

Botanist in Gliarge. 
Approved: 

B. T. Galloway, 

Chief (f Bureau. 



64 MISCELLANEOUS PAPERS. 

[Circular sent to recipients of seed of Sea Island Cotton Ko. 22-1.] 

SEA ISLAND COTTON NO. 224. 

U. S. Department of AGEictnLTURE, 

Bureau of Plant Industry, 
Washington, D. C, Fehruanj i, 1903. 

Dear Sir: We seud you herewith one peck of seed of Sea Island 
cotton "No. 224:. " This is a selection resistant to the wilt disease. It 
is distributed for trial under our Department number rather than as a 
named variety, but if it proves desirable to continue its cultivation, a 
name will be given to it later. 

It was originated by selecting from a field badly affected by wilt two 
plants that had remained healthy. The seed obtained was planted on 
wilt-infected land the two years following, where it continued to resist 
the disease, although adjoining cotton was killed. These two successful 
trials indicate that its wilt resistance is well fixed, and it only remains 
to establish in this strain the desired commercial qualities, such as 
length and fineness of staple, uniformity, and productivity. 

"No. 224" was developed from one of the coarser kinds of cotton 
grown on the Sea Islands, and more attention was paid to securing wilt 
resistance than fine quality. For this reason it is not equal to the best 
varieties grown on the Sea Islands, though it is of the grade of cotton 
for which there is most demand in the market. The price obtained 
for the crop of 1902 was 24 cents per pound, but the factor informed 
us that it was marketed "in such a bright and showy condition that it 
was placed on that account in a higher grade than its staple warranted." 
These facts are stated plainly in order that the planters who test it may 
not be disappointed in the results. The Department recommends it 
for its wilt resistance only, but believes that it is worthy of trial as a 
basis from which desirable strains can be developed by the methods of 
selection familiar to Sea Island planters. The fact that this is not a 
fine cotton should not be taken as an indication that quality need be 
sacrificed in securing resistance to wilt. Our experience leads us to 
believe that wilt-resistant strains can be obtained of anj' degree of 
fineness desired, depending on the qualitj^ of the plant chosen at the 
beginning of the selection. 

The method of selection that we have found to give best results in 
breeding wilt-resistant varieties is essentialh* the same as that usually 
practiced for improvement of quality. It is necessary that the fii'st 
selections should be made in a field known to be thoroughly infected 
with the wilt disease, so that every healthly plant can be assumed to 
be resistant. Select only those plants that show no trace of the wilt 
disease. Several of these most prominent resistant plants should be 
marked and examined critically. Eight or ten that have the finest 
and longest staple and are most productive .should be retained, and 
the seed of each plant kept separate. The next year these lots of seed 



Bui. 25, Bureau of Plant Industry, U. S. Dept. of Agriculture. 



Plate III. 




Fig. 1.— Field Infected by Wilt and Root-knot. 
Iron co'wpea, resistant: Speoklcd coupcu, killerl. 




FiQ. 2.— Roots of Iron Cowpea. 

From adjoining rows in the same field. 



FiQ. 3.— Root-knot on Wonderful 
Cowpea. 



SEED AND PLANT DISTRIBUTION. 65 

should be planted side bj' .side on badly infected land and the ^jrogeny 
compared carefully with especial reference to power shown of trans- 
mitting the resistant quality. If the descendants of any plant show 
many diseased stalks, the whole selection should be discarded. It will 
be found that in the most resistant strains almost no susceptible plants 
will appear. Of the resistant strains, onlj^ the one having the best 
commercial qualities need be retained after the second year; but the 
first year it is well to start with several plants, as some often turn out 
to be non resistant. 

To insure the maintenance of uniformitj^ and good quality in the 
resistant variety-, the selections should be repeated everj^ year. The 
evidence we have now shows that the resistance to wilt can be main- 
tained in this way without difficult}'. A resistant variety will run out 
if neglected, just as anj^ other kind would do. 

Future distributions of seeds. — The Department of Agriculture is 
now growing a number of wilt- resistant selections of Sea Island cotton, 
which it is intended to distribute among the planters as soon as a 
sufficient quantitj^ is obtained. Some of these may be better than the 
"No. 224," but in the meantime it is hoped that the planters will con- 
tinue the work of originating resistant strains for themselves, as so 
many are now doing. 

W. A. Orton, 
Assistant Pathologist. 

Approved: 

A. F. Woods, 

Pathologist and Physiologist. 



[Circular sent to recipients of seed of tlie Iron cowpea.] 

IRON COWPEA. 

{A variety resistant to wilt and root-knot. ) 
HISTORY. 

The Iron cowpea is a variety especiallj^ adapted for soil renovation 
and forage purposes on land where other varieties fail to succeed 
because of the attacks of wilt, root-knot, and other soil parasites. The 
seed sent out in two-quart packages accompanjdng this circular is 
grown expressly for the Department of Agriculture and is distributed 
in the Southern States primarily to test its resistance to the diseases 
mentioned above, which cause the condition of land commonly known 
as "pea-sickness." In localities where no disease occurs it should be 
tested for hardiness, resistance to drought and weevils, and general 
value. 

The origin of the Iron cowpea is uncertain. It was found in culti- 
vation in Barnwell and Aiken counties, S. C, and its I'eraarkable 
2T609— No. m—m .5 



66 MISCELLANEOUS PAPERS. 

resistance to disease was demonstrated bj^ experiments made bj' the 
Department of Agriculture in 1900-2 on the farm of Mr. T. S. 
Williams, Monetta, S. C, where the seed now disti-ibuted was grown. 
It was tested on land infested with both wilt and root- knot in com- 
parison with over forty other varieties, all of which were wholl}' or 
partially destroyed by disease, while the Iron variety remained health}'. 
A photograph of this field is shown in Plate III, fig. 1. The Speckled 
cowpea on the right was treated in every respect like the Iron, but 
was unable to withstand the disease. In all our trials in South Caro- 
lina the Iron cowpea has remained free from nematode attacks, but at 
the Florida Experiment Station it was somewhat afl^ected. It should 
be understood that under varying conditions difl:erent results may be 
expected, and this variet}' may not everywhere prove as resistant as 
in South Carolina. One object of this distribution of the Iron cowpea 
is to determine its resistance to disease under varj'ing climatic and soil 
conditions and its suitability for different sections. 

CHARACTERS OF THE IRON COWPEA. 

The Iron cowpea is of the Claj'' type. The seeds are small and hard; 
color buff, of varying shades. The plant is vigorous, erect, or half- 
trailing; the leaves dark green, with a distinctive bluish luster; time 
of maturing, medium to late. It blooms and bears continuously 
through the season, but the pods do not shell out in the field as freely 
as other sorts. An especially noteworth}^ feature is that it holds its 
leaves late in the season, remaining green after other late kinds are 
dead. It resists the attacks of the wilt fungus and nematode worm, 
withstands drought well, and the hard seeds are very free from weevil 
attacks. The seeds will live through the winter in the ground and 
come up in the spring more freely than any other variety tested. It 
is reported to be of fair quality as a table pea. 

The Iron cowpea will be most valuable for soil improvement and 
forage where other kinds fail. On healthy soils it is doubtful Avhether 
it will replace existing standard varieties, as it is no more productive 
than raan}^ othei's. Its long bearing season is a fault, making harvest- 
ing more difficult. 

DIRECTIONS FOR PLANTINO. 

In order to test the disease-resistant qualities of this cowpea it 
should be planted on land where the ordinary' varieties do not grow 
well, if any such is available. For the purpose of comparison, a few 
rows of another variety should be planted l^eside it. The methods of 
planting and cultivation should be the same as for the common varie- 
ties. To secure a good crop of seed, plant from May 20 to July 10, 
according to the latitude, in drills 3 to 4 feet apart, at the rate of 2 
pecks per acre. 



SEED AND PLANT DISTRIBUTION. 67 

DISEASES OE THE COWPEA. 

The Iron cowpea is most noteworthy for its resistance to the cowpea 
wilt disease and root-knot. A full description of these diseases, with 
accounts of experiments with remedies, etc., is published in Bulletin 
No. 17, Bureau of Plant Industry', United States Department of Agri- 
culture, and will be sent free on request. A brief account is given 
here to enable the farmer to recognize these troubles. 

THE COWPEA WILT. 

The wilt of the cowpea is common only on light or sandy soils, and 
occurs principall}'^ on land where cowpeas have been grown for several 
years. It appears about August in spots of varying size, which 
spread gradually over the field. The plants in these areas turn j'el- 
low, lose their leaves, and die. The stems have a reddish-brown 
tinge, and, when broken, the inside will also be found discolored. 
Latei', these stems become covered with the light-pink spores of the 
fungus which causes the disease. This fungus enters the roots from 
the soil and, growing upward, fills the water-carrying vessels of the 
stem with its threads, thus shutting off the water supply and causing 
the death of the plant. 

Remedies. — The cultivation of the Iron pea is the best means of 
relief, as it will grow where all other kinds fail. Rotation of crops 
for two years will give temporary relief, or since the disease does not 
attack any other crop than the cowpea, velvet beans or other legumes 
ma_y be substituted. 

ROOT-KNOT. 

Root-knot, like the wilt, is most injurious on sandy soil, and the 
two diseases are often found occurring together. It is caused by a 
minute nematode, or eelworm, which enters the roots and produces 
large, irregular swellings or galls. These very injurious enlargements 
should not be confused with the bacterial tubercles found on all health}^ 
cowpea roots. The latter are small and regular in foi'm and greatly 
benefit the plant by enabling it to draw nitrogen from the air. The 
accompanying figures illustrate this distinction. A few bacterial 
tubercles appear on the healthy roots in PL III, fig. 2, while the roots 
in fig. 3 are deformed by root-knot. 

Root-knot is also produced on several other plants by the same 
nematode that attacks cowpeas. Cotton, okra, peaches, and most 
garden vegetables are greatlj^ injured by it. This is the most serious 
feature of the disease, since the cultivation of the ordinary varieties 
of cowpea on nematode-infected land so greatly increases the number 
of the parasites in the soil that succeeding cotton or other crops are 
much injured. 



68 MISCELLANEOUS PAPEKS. 

Hemedies. — It is hoped that work now in progress in the Depart- 
ment of Agriculture will result in the breeding of varieties of cotton, 
peaches, etc., which will be I'esistant to root-knot. At present no 
remedj^ is known that will entirely free land in our Southern States 
from this disease. The sterilization of the soil hj heat or toxic chem- 
icals, clean fallowing, etc. , have been recommended, but the best that 
can be done in ordinary farm practice is to adopt a rotation designed 
to starve out the parasites hj growing a succession of immune crops, 
such as the Iron cowpea, beggarweed, corn, oats, or other grains, 
grasses, etc. A rotation like the following is suggested for cotton 
planters: First year, corn, with Iron cowpeas between the rows; sec- 
ond year, either beggarweed, velvet beans, or oats, followed by Iron 
cowpeas; third year, cotton. If necessary cotton might also be planted 
the fourth year, after which the rotation should lie repeated. 

\V. A. Orton, 

Assistan t Pathologist. 
Api^roved : 

A. F. Woods, 

Pathologist and Physiologist. 



REPORT RESULTS. 

It is desired to know the results of all trials of the Iron cowpea, and 
every farmer who receives seed is requested to return the accompanj'- 
ing card with his name and address, signifying his willingness to report 
at the end of the season. Blanks will then be sent out to be tilled and 
returned. A rep(jrt will be asked for on the character of soil, whether 
or not infested with wilt or nematodes, manner of planting, character 
of season, success as a forage crop, yield as compared with other varie- 
ties, resistance to disease, etc. 

A. J. PlETEKS, 

Botanist in Charge. 
Approved: 

B. T. Galloway, 

Chief of Bureau. 



[circular sent to recipients of seed of Kleinwanzlebeu sugar beet.] 

KLEINWANZLEBEN SUGAR BEET. 

Grown b}' E. H. Morrison, at Fairtield, Wash., from mother beets 
of exceptionally high sugar content and purity. The Dejjartment of 
Agriculture wishes to have written reports as to the tiualit}' of this 
seed, as sugar beet seed raising in the United States is a new industry. 
All requests for either beet or vegetable seed for another }'ear from 
those sending such reports will be given special consideration. 



SEED AlSfD PLANT DISTEIBUTIONi 69 

Culture. — While sugar beets can be successsiilh' grown on a variety 
of soils, it is usually considered that they thrive best on a rich, sandy 
loam, having uniform surface and subsoil. The soil should be deep, 
with moderately porous subsoil, and either naturallj' or artificially 
drained. A good crop can not be grown on shallow soil having a hard, 
impenetrable or water-soaked subsoil. A soil that will grow a good 
crop of corn or potatoes is well adapted for beet culture. Well-rotted 
manure, phosphates, and potash ma}' be freely used, but Chile salt- 
peter, if used at all, should be used sparingl3^ .The proper prepai'a- 
tion of the soil is a prerequisite to successful growing. The ground 
should be fall plowed to a depth of 9 or 10 inches, and subsoiled 5 or 6 
inches more. The surface should be thoroughly pulverized by disk- 
ing and harrowing as soon as the frost is out of the ground. After 
the weeds have a good start, the ground should be again harrowed to 
destro}' them, and finally harrowed the day before seeding. The seed 
should be evenly planted in rows IS inches apart, as early in the spring- 
as the season -svill permit. If a drill is used, 15 to 20 pounds of seed 
are required to sow one acre, while 10 to 15 pounds are sufficient if 
sown b}^ hand. Cover the seed to a depth of one-half to 1^ inches, 
according to the condition of the soil and the season. To keep weeds 
from getting a foothold and the surface loose, cultivation should begin 
as soon as the seeds have sprouted sufficientlj' to show the rows and 
continued as long as it is possible to do so without breaking the lower 
leaves. Thinning should be done as soon as the plants have four well- 
formed leaves. This can be most easilj' done bj' bunching with a 
6-iuch hoe, leaving a group of plants every 6 to 10 inches. Thin to 
one plant to each group, using care always to leave the strongest and 
healthiest plant, even though the plants are at somewhat irregular 
distances. Give a thorough hoeing at the time of thinning. 

It is difficult to give general directions for raising sugar beets, as 
local conditions of soil and climate often make general rules impractic- 
able, when the individual grower must meet conditions peculiar to his 
particular locality. — J. E. W. Tract. 

Attention is again called to the desirability of a report on this seed. 
The beets raised from this seed should be hauled to the factory in a 
separate load from beets grown from any other seed, and a sepai'ate 
test for sugar content and puritj^ should be made. If persons receiv- 
ing this seed will send to the undersigned a postal card stating that 
they are willing to fill out a report, a blank form will be forwarded 
to them. 

A. J. PlETEES, 

Seed and Plant Introduction and Distribution. 



70 MISCELLANEOUS PAPERS. 

[Circular sent to recipients of tobacco seed.] 

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTING TOBACCO SEED, AND CULTURAL DIREC- 
TIONS FOR THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF TOBACCO 
DISTRIBUTED. 

For several years the Bureau of Plant Industr\' and the Bureau of 
Soils have been cooperating in work looking toward the improvement 
of tobacco in this country. Under the direction of the Chief of the 
Bureau of Soils the tobacco seed for the forthcoming Congressional 
seed distribution was secured from carefully selected and matured 
plants, in accordance with directions issued by the Department to 
individual growers. The seed was obtained from the best localities 
for each variety, and a plan of distribution worked out whereby the 
varieties suitable for certain districts will be sent there. 

The following directions for the distribution and culture of the 
different types of tobacco have been prepared in the oifice of the Chief 
of the Bureau of Soils: 

PLAN OF DISTKIBTJTING TOBACCO SEED. 

The Congressional districts in which tobacco seed will be distributed 
and the varieties which it is believed are best adapted to these dis- 
tricts are as follows: 

Alabama: 

First district: Florida Sumatra, Florida Cuban, Connecticut Havana. 
Arkansas: 

Second, Fifth, and Sixth districts: Kentucky White Burley, Virginia Oronoco, 
Tii'ginia White Stem. 
Califokxia : 

Sixth and Seventh districts: Florida Sumatra, Florida Cuban, Connecticut 
Havana. 
Connecticut: 

First, Second, and Fourth districts: Florida Sumatra. 
Florida: 

First and Second districts: Florida Sumatra, Florida Cuban. 
Georgia : 

Second district: Florida Sumatra, Florida Cuban. 
Illinois: 

Ninth district; Ohio Zimmer Spanish, Connecticut Havana. 
Nineteenth, Twentieth, and Twentj'-second districts: Tennessee Improved 
Yellow Mammoth, Tennessee Oronoco. 
Indiana : 

First, Third, and Fourth districts: Tennessee Oronoco, Kentucky White Burley, 
Tennessee Improved Yellow Mammoth. 
Kentucky: 

First, Second, and Third districts: Tennessee Improved Yellow Mammoth, 

Tennessee Oronoco. 
Fourth and Fifth districts: Tennessee Improved Yellow Mammoth, Tennessee 

Oronoco, Kentucky White Burley. 
Sixth, Seventh, and Ninth districts: Kentucky White Burley. 
Eighth, Tenth, and Eleventh districts: Tennessee Oronoco, Kentucky White 
Burley. 



SEED AND PLANT DISTRIBUTION. 71 

Louisiana: 

Second and Third districts: Kentucky White Burley, Tennessee Improved 
Yellow Mammoth, Florida Cuban. 
Maryland; 

Second and Sixth districts: Ohio Zimmer Spanish, Connecticut Havana. 
Fifth district: Maryland Smoking. 
Massachusetts: 

First and Second districts: Florida Sumatra. 
Missouri: 

First, Second, Seventh, Eighth, Ninth, Thirteenth, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth 
districts: Tennessee Improved Yellow Mammoth, Tennessee Oronoco, Ken- 
tucky AVhite Burley. 
New York: 

Twenty-fourth, Twenty-seventh, Twenty-eighth, and Twenty-ninth districts: 
Florida Sumatra, Florida Cuban, Connecticut Havana, Ohio Zimmer Spanish. 
Nqrth C.\bolina: 

Second, Fourth, Fifth, Seventh, Eighth, and Ninth districts: Virginia Oronoco, 
Virginia Sun Cured, Virginia Blue Pry or. North Carolina Bright Yellow. 
Ohio: 

First, Third, Fourth, and Seventh districts: Ohio Zimmer Spanish, Connecticut 

Havana, Florida Cuban. 
Sixth district: Ohio Zimmer Spanish, Florida Cuban, Kentucky White Burley. 
Tenth district: Ohio Zimmer Spanish, Connecticut Havana, Kentucky White 

Burley. 
Fifteenth, Sixteenth, and Seventeenth districts: Maryland Smoking, Ohio Zim- 
mer Spanish. 
Twentieth district: Maryland Smoking, Ohio Zimmer Spanish, Florida Cuban. 
Pennsylvania; 

Sixth, Seventh, Nintli, Tenth, Fourteenth, Fifteenth, Sixteenth, Seventeenth, 
and Nineteenth districts: Ohio Zimmer Spanish, Connecticut Havana, Florida 
Cuban. 
South Carolina: 

First, Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh districts: Virginia 
Oronoco, Virginia White Stem, Virginia Blue Pryor, North Carolina Bright 
Yellow. 
Tennessee: 

First, Second, and Third districts; Tennessee Improved Yellow Mammoth, Ten- 
nessee Oronoco, North Carolina Bright Yellow. 
Fourth district: Tennessee Improved Yellow Mammoth, Kentucky White 

Burley. 
Sixth district: Tennessee Improved Yellow Mammoth, Tennessee Oronoco, 

Kentucky AVhite Burley. 
Fifth, Seventh, Eighth, Ninth, and Tenth districts: Tennessee Improved Yellow 
Mammoth, Tennessee Oronoco. 
Texas: 

First, Second, Ninth, and Tenth districts: Florida Sumatra, Florida Cuban, Ohio 
Zimmer Spanish. 
.Virginia: 

First, Third, Fifth, Seventh, Eighth, and Ninth districts: Virginia Oronoco, 

A''irginia Sun Cured, Virginia Blue Pryor, North Carolina Bright Yellow. 
Fourth, Sixth, and Tenth districts: Virginia White Stem, Virginia Sun Cured, 
Virginia Blue Pryor, North Carolina Bright Yellow. 



72 MISCELLANEOUS PAPERS. 

West Virginia: 

Third district: Virginia Oronoco, Virginia Sun Cured, North Carolina Bright 

Yellow, Kentucky White Burley. 
Fourth district: Virginia White Stem, Virginia Sun Cured, North Carolina 
Bright Yellow, Kentucky White Burley. 
Wisconsin : 

First, Second, Third, Seventh, and Tenth districts: Florida Sumatra, Florida 
Cuban, Ohio Zimmer Spanish, Connecticut Havana. 

CULTURAL DIRECTIONS FOR THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF 

TOBACCO. 

Florida Sumatra Tobacco (Northern Districts). 

A very rich spot should be selected for the seed bed of Sumatra 
tobacco grown in the North. In the early fall this plot should be 
plowed and divided into beds (3 feet wide and anj^ desirable length, 
surrounded by a wall made of boards, 2 inches thick and 12 inches wide, 
set 2 or 3 inches in the ground. These beds should be highly fertilized 
with cotton-seed meal and stable manure, well spaded in to a depth of 
6 or S inches, and the whole covered with leaves, manure, or trash to 
keep out the frost during the winter. About April 1 this top dressing 
should be taken ofl' and the bed again spaded and the soil well pulver- 
ized, after which another application of cotton-seed meal or cotton-hull 
ash should be given. This should be raked in and the surface made 
smooth and loose, making the bed read^^ to receive the seed. About 
five days before the time of sowing the seed should be put to sprout in 
aj)ple-tree punk, made soft with warm water. This should be put in 
a fruit jar and kept in a warm room. It will be observed that the 
seed will be slower in sprouting than domestic tobacco seed, and it 
will not sprout uniformly ; that is, all the seed will not sprout at the 
same time. It is best to wait until nearh' all the seed is sprouted 
before sowing. Mix the seed with bran or cotton-seed meal and sow 
at the rate of 2 tablespoonfuls of the seed to 100 square yards, after 
which a heavy roller should be drawn over the bed, thus packing the 
seed well into the soil, making the surface smooth and preventing the 
rapid drying out of the soil which would otherwise take place. If 
the ground is drj', it should be watered immediately after sowing 
the seed, and this should be continued from time to time as the soil 
maj' require. In the absence of rain after the plants are up watering 
should still be practiced. 

There are many enemies of the. seed bed in the wa^' of insects, so a 
careful watch is necessary. As soon as there is anj^ appearance of 
flea-beetles or horn worms, the bed should be sprayed with paris green 
mixed with water at the rate of 1 tablespoonful to 2 gallons of water. 
In oi'der to keep down the insects, the bed should be sprayed at least 
three times a week. It is safer to protect these early beds with can- 
vas stretched on frames made over and around the beds. 



SEED AND PLANT DISTRIBUTION. 73 

When the plants are drawn for transplanting, great eare should be 
taken to get as much root as possible. Each person doing this work 
should be provided with a bucket of water, and as soon as the plants 
are drawn the roots should be washed to remove all soil that maj^ have 
stuck to them. The plants are then placed in a basket, roots down, 
and are immediately set out. The washing of the roots is not gen- 
erally practiced, but it has been found that plants live and grow better 
when the roots are clean. After each drawing of the plants from the 
bed, the soil should be watered, in order to close up the places from 
■which the plants ha^'e been taken. 

The soil selected for this tobacco should be a light gray sandy loam 
or sand with a sand or clay subsoil, jsrovided the clay is not closer 
to the surface than 12 or 1.5 inches. In order to produce a light, thin 
wrapper, the sandj' soil must be ver}^ rich and a large quantity of 
fertilizer is necessarj'. The land should be broken up in November 
or December, allowing the plow to cut from 4 to 6 inches deep, 
according to the nature of the soil and the quantit}^ of fertilizer used. 
If a large quantity of fertilizer is used, such as cotton-seed meal and 
stable or barn manure, it should be thrown broadcast over the field 
and plowed in. This should be done about six weeks before the time 
of setting out the plants. Often a second application of fertilizer 
will be needed in order to give a continuous, rapid growth. 

The distance between the rows should be -4 feet and between the 
plants 12 inches. As it is alwaj's desirable to get a uniform growth, 
great care should be exercised to have each plant live. If the ground 
is moist and showers frequent, watering the plants is unnecessary; 
but if the ground is dry, they should be watered immediately after 
setting and, if possible, each daj' thereafter as long as the plants may 
require it. After setting the plants they should not be disturbed for 
at least six days. If the soil becomes packed and hard, a furrow 
should be run on each side of the row, using a small straight plow 
and letting it well down. This should be followed immediatel}^ by 
two .sweep furrows, which will put the plants on a smooth ridge. 
The hoe is then used, carefully stirring the soil about the plants. 
Thereafter cultivation should be frequent and shallow. 

As the principal value of Sumatra is its wrapping' leaves, great care 
should be exercised to preserve the soundness of the leaf. In topping 
the Sumatra tobacco onh^ the bud should be taken out, and all the 
leaves allowed to grow. If the land is exceedingly rich it is found 
best not to top at all, but to allow the plant to go to bloom. It has 
been found by experience that Sumatra tobacco should be harvested 
at an early stage of ripeness, as the leaf will cure riper and be more 
elastic — that is, it will have more life. It is usual to take 4 or 6 leaves 
at each priming, thus going over the field four or five times before 
the whole crop is harvested. 



74 MISCELLANEOUS PAPERS. 

As soon as the first leaves at the bottom of the stalk begin to ripen, 
harvesting is begun 133^ plucking off or priming the first four leaves at 
the bottom and transporting them to the curing shed in baskets. There 
they are strung on strings attached to laths, from 30 to iO leaves being- 
allowed to a lath. The leaves are placed back to back and face to face, 
so as to prevent cupping or folding over each other. The laths are 
then hung in tiers in the barn, where they remain until the leaves are 
cured. 

When the tobacco is primed from the stalk, it should not take more 
than two weeks to cure; when it is hung on the stalks, three to four 
weeks are necessary'. The manipulation of the barn or curing shed is 
governed entirely by the condition of the weather and the nature of 
the tobacco; so no fixed rules can be given. However, in a general 
way, it can be said that if a barn is filled with green tobacco and the 
weather is hot and dry, the ventilators should be tightly closed for 
about three daj^s, by which time the tobacco should be quite yellow. 
The barn should then be opened at night and kept closed during the 
day. This is done to prevent rapid curing, which destroys the life of 
the leaf and gives uneven colors. If there are frequent showers and 
but little sunshine, the barn should be kept closed and fires started in 
small charcoal heaters distributed throughout the barn. These fires 
should be continued as long as it is necessary to keep the tobacco in 
proper condition. Where charcoal heaters are not available, wood 
which has as little odor and as little smoke as possible should be used. 
It is very important to dry out the barn without giving the tobacco 
any foreign odors. To obtain the best results the tobacco should 
become fairly moist and fairlj^ dried out once in every twentj'-four 
hours. 

When the midribs are thoroughl}^ cured the leaves are readj^ to be 
taken to the packing house. To get the tobacco in condition to handle, 
all the ventilators should be left open for one night, opening them 
about 6 o'clock in the evening. The next morning the tobacco should 
be in what is called "good case;" that is, it will have taken up sufli- 
cient moisture to become soft and pliable. The barn is then tightlj^ 
closed, in order to retain the moisture, and the leaves are taken from 
the laths. The bottom, middle, and top leaves should be kept separate 
in the barn. After the tobacco has been taken down and packed it 
should be taken at once to the warehouse for fermentation and baling. 

Florida Sumatra Tobacco (Southern Districts). 

The land for the seed bed should be preferably fresh, rich ham- 
mock, having a light gray soil, moist but not wet. Dry, thirsty land 
should be avoided. In selecting the seed bed it is best to secure land 
sloping from north to south, protected on the north by forests and 
open on the south to let in the midday sun. The time for sowing the 



SEED AND PLANT DISTRIBUTION. 75 

seed is from March 1 to Aiiril 15. Plants should be ready for trans- 
planting about sixty da^'s after sowing. 

One week before sowing the seed the bed should be thoroughly 
cleaned and all straw and leaves carefullj- raked off, after which the 
ground sliould be burned. This is done to destroy all grass and weed 
seeds or roots which might otherwise come up and choke the tobacco 
plants. The burning is done in the following manner: 

After raking the surface well, skids are laid 4 feet apart, running 
the full length of the plat to be sown. A pile of wood is then laid 
across the skids, running the width of the bed. The fire is started, 
and as fast as the ground is thoroughly burned and covered witli ashes 
the fire and wood are drawn along the skids, wood being continuously 
added. After the entire bed is burned the ground is again raked to 
remove the coals, letting the ashes remain. The soil is then spaded 
to a depth of i inches, all the roots and tufts being carefully taken 
out. If the soil needs fertilizing after the spading is completed (the 
seed bed should be very rich in order to give thrift}^, health^^ plants), 
such quantity of fertilizer as may be necessary is thrown broadcast 
over the surface. Any complete guano ma}^ be used. The bed is 
again raked with an iron-toothed rake to mix the fertilizer well with 
the soil and to have the surface smooth and loose. 

The bed should be divided into "lands" about 4 feet wide, leaving 
narrow walks between. Each land should be measured to ascertain 
how many square feet it contains, and enough seed should be mixed 
with ashes to sow one land at a time, at the rate of 2.tablespoonfuls of 
the seeds to 100 square yards. This is the usual allowance for 1 acre 
to be planted. After the sowing is completed the bed should be rolled 
with a heavy roller. If the gi'ound is dry it should be watered imme- 
diately after the sowing of the seed, and this should be continued from 
time to time as the soil ma}^ require. In the absence of rain, after 
the plants are up, watering should still be practiced. 

The manner of transplanting, the kind of soil to be selected, the 
methods of field culture, and the manipulation of harvesting and 
curing are the same in both northern and southern districts. 

FLomDA Cuban Tobacco. 

The seed bed for this variet}^ of tobacco should be the same as that 
for the Sumatra in the South, and should be cleared, burned, and 
prepared in the same manner. The time for sowing the seed is from 
January 15 to March 1, and sometimes as late as April. Januar}' and 
February sowings should give plants large enough for transjilanting 
within sixty or seventy days; those of March and April within forty 
to sixty days. Transplanting is done in the same way as with the 
Sumatra, except that the plants are set 1-i inches apart. The same 
rules as to watering and early cultivation apply. 



76 MISCELLANEOUS PAPERS. 

When the plants beg-in to button, cultivation should stop. Early 
oi' low topping is not desirable, as it throws too much growth into the 
leaves, making them large and coarse. There should be from li to 
16 leaves to the stalk after the plant is tojjjjed. At this point suckers 
will start at each leaf, but these must be broken off at least twice a 
week. The battle with the worms, which was begun in the seed bed, 
does not end until the tobacco is harvested. A careful watch should 
be maintained to keep all insects off' the tobacco. 

This varietv should be harvested and huno- in the curino- shed in 
the same manner as the Sumatra. If it gives promise of being 
"wrapper" — that is, if it is light green, veiy sound in leaf, and of 
desirable size — it should be primed at an early stage of ripeness. If, 
however, appearances prove that it will be "tiller"' tobacco, it should 
be allowed to get thoroughly ripe. 

If the soil is rich and the season jjropitious, a second profitable crop 
can be produced from the suckers in Southern localities. As soon as 
the original crop is topped suckers will sprout from each leaf. These, 
of coarse, should be bi-oken off as soon as they appear, otherwise they 
will check the growth of the leaf. "When all the leaves have been 
primed from the original stock, except the four or six leaves at the 
top. two suckers should be allowed to grow from the bottom of the 
stalk. These two suckers will be well started by the time the top leaves 
of the original stalk are ripe. The stalk should then be cut just above 
where the suckers sprout, and cultivation should begin at once, the soil 
being brought up around the old stubble. The suckers should not be 
allowed to have more than six leaves each. The growth of these will 
be rapid and they will mature quickly. "When ripe the leaves should 
not be primed, but the stalk should be cut. It is often the case, where 
the seasons are favorable, that the suckers will make a \evy tine quality 
for filler purposes. 

The same method of curing is used for both Cuban and Sumatra 
tobacco. 

Connecticut Havana Tobacco. 

The seed bed for this type should be prepared by plowing it in the 
fall and sowing on a good supply of cotton-seed meal or some other 
good fertilizer. In the spring, as soon as the frost is out of the 
ground, the bed should be again plowed or harrowed with a cutaway 
harrow and a small quantity of phosphate thrown broadcast upon it. 
The bed should again be harrowed and well raked. The seed should 
be sown about the middle of April. It is first sprouted by being put 
in apple-tree punk or moist sand and kept in a warm room. Plants 
should be read}' for setting in the field within six or seven weeks from 
sowing. The rows should be 3 feet 4 inches apart, and the distance 
between the plants frOm 16 to IS inches. The tobacco is tojiped so as 



SEED AND PLANT DISTRIBUTION. 77 

to allow from 16 to IS leaves to the stalk. The average yield per acre 
is from 1,800 to 2,000 pounds. 

The crop is harvested by cuttino- the stalks and letting them remain 
in the field until they wilt. Then they are hauled to the barn, where 
they are speared on laths, from 8 to 12 stalks being allowed to a lath. 
These ai-e hung- up in the barn 8 inches apart. 

This tobacco is cured as follows: While the leaves are green the 
barn should be closed at night and during damp weather and opened 
during" the day; but when the tobacco is half cured, the ventilation 
should be reversed and the barn closed during the day and opened at 
night and in damp weather. The tobacco shoidd be fairly dried out 
and fairly moistened once every twenty-four hours. The cui-ing is 
completed when the midribs of the leaves are thoroughly dried. 

The soil best adapted to the Connecticut Havana ^'ariety is a light 
sandy loam. 

Ohio Zimmer Spanish Tobacco. 

The seed bed for this type, which is prepared in essentially the same 
way as that for the Connecticut Havana, should be sown from March 
1 to April 15, and the plants ought to be ready for transplanting 
within eight or ten weeks. The rows in the field should be 3 feet 
apart and the plants 22 inches from each other in the drill. The 
tobacco should be topped when the seed bud appears, leaving about 16 
leaves to the plant. The average jneld is 1,000 pounds per acre. 

The Zimmer Spanish tobacco is harvested and cured in the manner 
described for the Connecticut Havana leaf. 

The soil best adapted to the Zimmer Spanish variety is sugar-tree 
red uplands or " Miami clay loam" of the Soil SurveJ^ 

North Carolina Bright Yellow Tobacco. 

The seed bed for this tobacco should, if possible, be selected on a 
hillside sloping from west to east or from north to south, so as to get 
all the morning sun and be sheltered from the cold west and north 
winds. The soil of the seed bed should be as rich alluvial virgin soil 
as can be had. The bed should be well burned and all the grubs taken 
out. A little 2-inch bull-tongue plow should be used to break up the 
soil in two waj-s so as to tear out all the roots, which should be raked 
out and the bed made smooth. To 100 square j-ards put on 100 pounds 
of high-grade fertilizer and 2 barrels of well-rotted stable manure 
about 1 inch deep. Plow this in with the same bull-tongue plow and 
rake the bed carefully until the surface is level. After the sowing is 
completed a heavy roller should be drawn over the bed. 

The seed should be sown from the first to the middle of January 
and not later than the first of P^ebruary. This will give plants ready 
for transplanting by April 5. Harvesting should begin from sixty to 



78 MISCELLANEOUS PAPERS. 

seventy days after transplanting. The rows should be oi feet and the 
plants 2i feet apart. The average j-ield is 1,000 pounds per acre. 

Harvesting may be done by priming the leaves or bj' cutting the 
entire stalk. In priming the tobacco the leaves are stripped from the 
stalk in the field as they ripen, and are strung on strings attached to 
laths, about 30 leaves being allowed to each lath. These are then 
hung in the barn to cure. If this method is practiced, from 14 to 16 
leaves may be matured on each plant. If it is desired to cure the 
tobacco on the stalk, the first four bottom leaves should be stripped off 
and the tobacco topped, so as to leave from 10 to 13 leaves on the 
stalk. In cutting the tobacco the stalk should be split from the top 
down to within a few inches from the last set of leaves, and then the 
stalk should be cut just below these leaves. The plants are hung on 
the lath by opening the split, 6 to 8 plants being allowed to each 
lath. These are carried to the barn, where the}" are hung in tiers. 

This tobacco is cured as follows: The barn should be heated to 100° 
and allowed to remain at that temperature until the tobacco colors 
well. The temperature should then be gradualh' raised to 110"^ and 
retained until the desired colors are obtained. At 120° the tips of the 
leaves on the first tier should show signs of drying, and at 125° all the 
leaves on the first and second tiers should be dry. At this point the 
barn should be gradually heated to 145°, a pause of several hours being 
made at 140°. By this time all the leaves in the barn should be dry, 
but in order to kill the stem the temperature should be raised 5°. 
Then a rapid rise should be made until 176° is reached, at which tem- 
perature the tobacco should be thoroughly cured. 

The soil best adapted to this type of tobacco is a light-gray sandy 

loam. 

Maryland Smoking Tobacco. 

Prepare the seed bed for this variety as for Cuban tobacco, sowing 
the seed from Februarj^ 1 to March 20. The other operations in the 
production of the two types are the same up to transplanting. The 
Mar^-land smoking tobacco is transplanted from May 15 to June 1, in 
rows 3 feet apart, the plants being given a distance of 20 to 24 inches 
from each other in the drill. The plants should- be topped so as to 
leave about 16 leaves to the stalk. The average yield is 1,000 pounds 
to the acre. 

In harvesting this tobacco, the plants are cut and four rows are 
thrown together. They are then speared on sticks, from 6 to 8 plants 
being allowed to the stick. Care should be taken that the plants are 
not crowded too closely on the sticks or in the barn. The sticks are 
hung about 8 inches apart in the barn, and after the tobacco is half 
cured they can be put closer together if necessarj^, say about 4 inches 
apart. It generally takes about two months to cure this tobacco suiB- 
ciently to strip. 



seed and plant distkibtjtion. 79 

Tennessee Types (Yellow Prtor, Oeonoco, Improved Yellow 

Mammoth). 

The soil best suited for the seed beds of these t3'pes is rich, friable, 
black virgin loam or sandy soil with a southern exposure. The time 
for sowing- the seed is from March 1 to April 1,5. The preparation 
and management of the seed lied are the same as for Cuban tobacco. 
The plants should be ready for transplanting about Majr 10. The 
rows in the field should be placed 3^ feet apart each y^aj. Ten days 
are necessaiy for the plants to establish themselves in the soil, and at 
the end of that time cultivation with the plow should begin; after- 
wards the hoe should be used. The field should be worked first one 
way and then the other. 

About six or eight weeks after transplanting the plants ought to be 
,ready for topping. This is done bj^ pinching ofi' the bud, leaving 8 or 
10 leaves to the stalk, not including the leaves at a distance of 6 inches 
from the ground. All suckers should be kept off the plant. 

The tobacco should be allowed to get thoroughly' ripe before har- 
vesting, which is done in the following manner: Split the stalk down 
from the toj) to within a few inches of the last set of leaves. Cut two 
rows, laying the plants right and left, and when wilted hang the plants 
on laths, from S to 12 stalks to a lath. These should be laid in small 
piles at a sufllcient distance apart to allow between them the passage 
of a wagon, on which the laths are loaded and carried to the curing 
shed. Care should be taken not to cut the plants after a rain or in the 
hot sun. 

This tobacco is cured as follows: After it has been hanging in the 
barn four or five daj^s, slow fires should be kindled under it, and at 
the expiration of twentj^-four hours the heat should be gradually 
increased until 150° is reached. The leafy part and one-half the stem 
should be cured in three days and nights. After this the tobacco 
should be allowed to come in "order" (soft and pliable) and be dried 
out hy fires. This alternation of getting the tobacco moist and dry- 
ing it out should be kept up for three or four weeks. This tobacco is 
cured b}' open wood fires, made by placing two logs side by side and 
building a fire between them. Open-fire heat is preferred for all 
tobacco to be sent abroad. 

The soil best adapted to these t^-pes is a strong, rich loam with a 
deep reddish subsoil. 

Kentucky White Burley Tobacco. 

The seed bed for this varietj' of tobacco is selected and prepared as 
in the case of the Cuban tj^pe, the only variation being in the time of 
seeding, which for the Burley is limited to Februarj^. 

As soon as the plants are well rooted cultivation should begin, and 



80 MISCELLANEOUS PAPERS. 

this should be continued during the growing season, so as not to allow 
the soil to become crusty and hard. The plants should not be per- 
mitted to bloom, but should be topped as soon as the button appears, 
leaving from 14 to 16 leaves to the stalk. 

The tobacco should be allowed to become thorough!}^ ripe before 
harvesting. It is harvested in much the same way as the Yellow 
Pryor and other Tennessee types, but no fire is used in its curing, 
which is accomplished by simply hanging in the barn. 

Virginia Types (White Stem or One SrcKER, Oronoco, Sun- 
CuRED, Blue Pryor). 

The situation and kind of soil best suited for the seed bed and the 
methods of its preparation and management are the same for all these 
t3^pes as for the Cuban tobacco, but there are some differences in the 
time of sowing the seed and in the manner of cultivating, harvesting, 
and curing the different varieties. 

White stem or 07ie-such:-r tolacco. — Seed should be planted from 
January to March. Plants should be set in the field in rows •! feet 
apart and given a distance of 3 feet in the drill. The plants should be 
topped, so as to allow from 8 to 12 leaves to the stalk. The average 
yield is 1,500 pounds per acre. 

About fourteen weeks elapse between the time of transplanting and 
of harvesting, as this tobacco should l)e thoroughly v\-pe when cut. 
The crop is cut and harvested in the following manner: The stalk is 
split from the top to the last set of leaves and severed about 2 inches 
below the split, or just below the last set of leaves. Hang the stalks 
on laths b}' opening the split, seven or eight plants being sufficient for 
one lath. 

The curing is done as follows: Put the tobacco in the barn as quickly 
as possible — before it begins to turn yellow. After the barn is filled 
build a fire of dry oak or other hard wood and make it hot enough to 
scald the leaves. About five hours of firing at a temperature of from 
150° to 155° will usually scald the leaves. Then diminish the heat and. 
keep a slow fire in the barn until the stalks are cured. Forty-eight 
hours ai'e required to perfect this cure. 

The soil adapted to this type of tobacco is a sandy loam with a red 
clay subsoil. Without such subsoil the tobacco will have a dull, slaty 
color, while with it the tobacco will be rich, glossy, and much tougher. 

Oronoco tobacco. — The time for sowing the seed is from February 1 
to April 15. Plants should be ready for transplanting si.xty days after 
sowing if the season is favorable. 

In the fi§ld the distance between the rows should be 3^ feet and 
between the plants in the drill 3 feet. The plants should be topped so 
as to leave from 8 to 10 leaves on the stalk. Fifteen hundred pounds 
per acre is considered a good crop. 



SEED AND PLANT DISTRIBUTION. 81 

The tohacco is cut in the same way a.s the White Stem variet}'. 
When the phxnts are wilted, one man walks between the rows, holding 
the lath on which the plants are to be hung. The hanging is done bj' 
two other men, who walk to the right and left of the one carrj'ing the 
lath. When the laths are full, thej' are carefully laid on the ground, 
two or three together. They are then loaded on a wagon and carried 
to the curing shed, where they are hung in tiers. From 6 to 8 stalks 
ai'e allowed to a lath. 

This type of tobacco is usually cured with a small fire in the barn. 
Slow fires should be started and kept burning until the leaf is well 
3^ellowed; then the temperature should be increased until the leaf is 
cured and the stalk is brown. After this it is onh^ necessary to have 
enough fire during the early morning to dry out the leaf until the 
tobacco is thoroughly cured. From twenty to thirt)^ days are required 
to complete this curing. 

A soil with a stiff clay subsoil is adapted to the growing of this 
tobacco. 

Sun-cured tobacco.- T\i6 time of sowing the seed is from Februarj^ 
1 to April 15. Plants should be readj' for transplanting in about 
ninety days after sowing. The rows should be 3 feet 3 inches apart 
and the plants in the drill 2 feet. The plants are topped so as to leave 
10 to 12 leaves to the stalk. The average yield is 1,000 pounds per 
acre. The crop is cut and harvested in the same manner as the 
Oronoco type. 

Curing is effected as follows: When the tobacco is taken to the 
curing shed, it is crowded together and allowed to remain until it is 
quite yellow. Then the barn should be opened or the tobacco should 
be hung on racks in the sun until cured. Sun and dew are preferred 
for curing sweet-flavored tobacco. From five to eight weeks are 
required to effect this cure. 

The soil best adapted to this type of tobacco is a medium sandy soil 
that is high enough to give good natural drainage. 

Slue Pryor tobacco. — Seed should be sown from January 1 to March 
15. Plants should be set in rows 3^ feet apart and given a distance of 
3 feet in the drill. The plants are topped so as to leave 8 or 10 leaves 
on the stalk. The average yield is from 1,200 to 1,500 pounds per 
acre. The method of harvesting is the same as for the pi'evious types. 

The tobacco is cured in the following manner: It is hung in the 
barn until it yellows uniformly; then a slow fire is started and con- 
tinued until the leaf is cured. From three to five weeks are required 
for the curing of this type. 

The soil best adapted to this tobacco is a gra\' loam with a red clay 
subsoil. 

27609— No. 25—03 6 



82 MISCELLANEOUS PAPERS. 

COMMERCIAL TISES OF THE DIFFERENT VARIETIES OF TOBACCO. 

Florida Sumatra tobacco is used almost exclusively as a wrappei' 
for domestic cigars. In the southern districts the thick or broken 
leaves may be cured for tiller purposes. 

Florida Cuban is essential^ a filler tobacco for domestic cigars, 
although much desirable wrapper is produced from this type in the 
southern districts. 

Connecticut Havana is grown entirely for wrapjjer and binder 
purposes for domestic cigars. 

Ohio Zimmer Spanish is used exclusively for filler for domestic 
cigars. 

North Carolina Bright Yellow is used for pipe smoking, chewing, 
and cigarettes. The most valuable leaves are those used for wrappers 
for plug tobacco and for all-tobacco cigarettes. This tj^pe was for- 
merly grown almost wholly for the domestic market, but now a con- 
siderable export trade is maintained with England, Japan, and other 
countries. 

Maryland Smoking tobacco was formerly used to a large extent for 
domestic pipe smoking, but the principal market is in two or three of 
the "Regie" countries, Finance taking the bulk of the crop. 

The Tennessee t}'pes are principall}^ exported. 

The Virginia types are used to a very large extent in the domestic 
markets for smoking and chewing tobaccos and snuff. Considerable 
quantities, however, are exported, especially the heavier and cheaper 
grades. 

Kentuckjr White Burley is used for pipe smoking, chewing, and 
cigarettes. The bulk of the crop is consumed in our domestic mar- 
kets, but considerable quantities are exported. 

RECENT PUBLICATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT ON TOBACCO. 

The following publications are available for general distribution: 
Farmers' Bulletin No. 60. — Methods of Curing Tobacco. 
Farmers" Bulletin No. 82. — Culture of Tobacco. 
Farmers' Bulletin No. S3. — Tobacco Soils. 

O 



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